130 THE BRITISH HOM(EOPATItIC JOURNAL

"UP-TO-DATE WITH NOSODES"

ADDRESS BY DR. JOHN PATERSON,SCOTTISH BRANCH (FACULTY),APRIL 22nd,
1953
AT the beginning of this session--on November 18th, 1952--a clinical evening
was held at the Scottish Homceopathic Hospital for Children, now incorporated
in the Glasgow Homceopathic Hospital.
Members who were present that evening will recall that I suggested it
would be better if I reserved m y remarks on the clinical cases, for inclusion in a
paper which your secretary had DECIDED I should give later in the session under
the title "Up-to-date with Nosodes".
May I, at this point, explain t h a t I informed Dr. Wilson that I would not
write a paper but would be pleased to talk to the Scottish Branch of the Faculty
on the subject he had chosen. I have, therefore, no written paper to present to
you but I have made some notes to keep me within a decent time limit, and I
hope you m a y find this talk of some interest and practical value in your use
of the bowel nosodes.
I f you wish to be up-to-date with nosodes you must consider the subject
under two headings: (1) Bacteriological, (2) Clinical; and I propose to open this
talk by saying, as briefly as possible, something about the bacteriological aspect.
At the outset, I had better define what I mean by the term nosode, as I
recall an experience after addressing, a Congress in Glasgow on this subject.
Immediately after m y paper, a colleague offered me congratulations but
remarked t h a t another member of the Congress had likewise expressed his
appreciation of the paper but wished that Dr. Paterson had started off by
telling the audience what he meant by this term "nosode".
As the derivation of the word implies, a nosode is a disease product; but
the up-to-date meaning is rather different from t h a t expressed in the older
writings, where you will find, on occasion, that a certain so-called nosode is
described as a "sarcode". Now what is the difference? The distinguishing points
which I offer you is that a "sarcode" is a nosode--using the word in a loose
sense--in which something of the substance of the disease is taken as the basis.
For example, Psorinum is a "nosode" prepared from the serous fluid taken
from scabies vesicle; Burnett's Bacillinum was actually prepared from a
tuberculous sputum; each of these m a y be said to contain something of the
disease product.
Nowadays, particularly with regard to the bowel nosodes, the pathogenic
germ is isolated from the disease tissue, and grown in a laboratory, and from
culture on artificial media a vaccine is made and finally potentized according to
the homceopathic method. In up-to-date language, that is a NOSODE; it contains
nothing of the disease substance; it m a y be said to be prepared from the
"causative agent".
A "sarcode" has not only the causative agent, but carries something of the
product of the disease process--it represents a cause and effect.
I n modern terms, ~acillinum (Burnett) is a "SARCODE" while Tuberculinum
(Koch) is a "~OSODE".
Having defined m y use of the term "nosode" I will speak about the
bacteriological aspect. The Pasteur t h e o r y - - t h a t the germ is the cause of
disease--is still taught to students at our medical schools, but this theory is
not now universally accepted and in the most modern literature you will find
the word "relationship" being substituted for the word "cause". The specific
relationship of a germ to a disease is accepted, but doubt exists in m a n y minds
as to its claim to be the primary factor.
At the British Homceopathic Congress held in Glasgow, September, 1948,
I read a paper on "The Role of the Intestinal Flora in Chronic Disease" in which
I pointed out t h a t the B. coli is a normal inhabitant of the intestinal canal,
 ~UP-TO-DATE WITH NOSODES '~ 131

and in a healthy intestinal mucosa it is not pathogenic but assists in maintaining

the health of the host. With the increasing use of the Sulpha drugs, it has been
well established t h a t the destruction of the bowel flora m a y be followed by a
condition of avitaminosis affecting the wellbeing of the person to whom these
antibiotics are given.
To return to our bacteriological review, it must be realized that, in the
healthy individual, there is a normal bacterial flora and t h a t the B. coli, in these
circumstances, also lead a normal life, that there is, in fact, a living together in
harmony, a symbiosis.
Disharmony, or, in other words, DISEASE, m a y arise from disturbance in
the host or in the germ. An infected germ m a y enter the intestinal tract and
set up disease in the host---that is the more common point of view expressed in
the Pasteur theory of germ disease. But it is now being realized b y m a n y
medical minds t h a t infection m a y originate by disturbance in the h o s t - - i n which
case the normal life of the B. coli is upset and it likewise becomes diseased: it
becomes a pathogenic organism. T h a t is a very up-to-date conception--that a
pathogenic germ is a diseased germ, and that infection m a y originate from
without or within the body of the host. I n recent years considerable attention
has been given to the psychological approach to disease and there is ample
evidence that emotional stress can produce pathological changes in the alimen-
t a r y tract, and in a paper, "The Potentized Drug and its Action on the Bowel
Flora" which I presented to the British Homceopathic Society in March, 1936,
I put forward evidence that a potentized drug, when given to a patient according
to homceopathic principles can so affect the metabolic processes of the individual
t h a t the bowel flora will change from B. coli to non-lactose fermenting coliform
organisms.
A point worth noting here is t h a t such a change in bowel flora can be
maintained over considerable periods after the giving of the remedy, and I say
this because so often the question of change of bowel flora due to die.t is brought
up in criticism. Can diet alter the bowel flora? The answer is "Yes" only so long
as the diet is maintained.
I t can thus be demonstrated that a normal B. coli can be mutated into a
pathogenic germ within the body of the host. Some attention has been given
to the observation t h a t the power of pathogenesis seems to be associated with
the lack of power of the organism to ferment lactose, and t h a t of the sugars
employed in the bacteriological laboratory, lactose (milk sugar) is the only
sugar of animal origin; the others come from plants or seaweed.
I n recent years, with the introduction of the Sulpha drugs, attention has
been given to what have been called "the essential metabolites" and t h a t when
such drugs are given there is a competition between the body cells and t h a t of
the germ for the materials essential to maintain life. My observations on the
action of the potentized remedy and the bowel flora would lead me to put
forward the thesis t h a t the homceopathic remedy so stimulates the metabolic
rate of body cells t h a t they make use of the animal sugar lactose--and
deprive the B. coli of this substance. As a result there is a change in the meta-
bolic processes of the germ and it becomes a non-lactose fermenting bacillus:
I t has to adjust its metabolism to sustain life in the changed environment.
Now m a y I link up for you this bacteriological aspect with the clinical
study of bowel nosodes? Briefly, and in historical sequence, the up-to-date
position is this:
Over a century ago Samual H a h n e m a n n formulated a therapeutic l a w - - t h e
law of similars--that particular drugs can be specifically related to definite
disease complexes; then Pasteur came along and demonstrated t h a t specific
germs were related to definite disease complexes; and now the recent work on
the bowel flora and the potentized remedy has given evidence t h a t the germ is
not only related to the disease b u t also to the specific remedy: I n this study of
bowel nosodes one gets what m a y be compared to an equilateral triangular
132 T~IE BRITISH HOM(:EOPATHIC JOURNAL

formation, in which, if you remember your Euclid, there are three equal sides:
if you can ascertain the measurements of one you know the dimensions of the
others. Thus it is in the application of up-to-date bacterial knowledge to clinical
diagnosis and therapeutic treatment with bowel nosodes.
The usual practice, with which you are familiar, is to "take the case" as
fully as possible, and from the clinical picture basis decide upon the similar
remedy; or the successful use of a chosen remedy may lead to a better assessment
of the nature of the disease. Now from a bacterial examination of a stool, it is
possible to find the remedy and observe the clinical characteristics. I t i s possible
to complete the triangle, starting off from any of the three sides.
Now we come to the clinical aspect of the bowel nosodes and I would refer
you to m y paper "The Bowel Nosodes" which is available in a reprinted
brochure published by A. Nelson & Co. of London. I t will give you in more
detail, more than I shall give you tonight, something of the "clinical provings"
of the bowel nosodes. I t also contains an insert showing the correct nomenclature
and the potencies available, and here may I call attention to the fact that there
are no potencies below 12c of any of the nosodes associated with the name of
Bach--so do not trouble the chemist with requests for these. The nosodes
associated with m y name are available down to 6c and, as I shall indicate later,
I often advise the use of these low potencies.

DYs. co. (BAca)

I n speaking about this nosode, I would like you to note that this B. dysen-
teriae has no clinical relation to the tropical disease of dysentery (amoebic or
bacillary); the name has only association with a laboratory technique.
I t is appropriate that I should begin this talk on nosodes with the clinical
indications for Dys. co. (Bach) as it was the first nosode to be proved, a n d t h a t
mainly in the wards of the Children's Hospital at Mount Vernon, Glasgow. I t has
special application to children, and in the paper "Indications for the Use of the
Intestinal Nosodes in Diseases of Children", I.H. Congress (Berlin), 1937, and
published in the BRITISH HOM(EOPATHIC JOURNAL, October, 1937, you will
find a detailed clinical picture.
I n presenting the nosodes I think it is a good plan to give a keynote for
each, rather than giving a tabulated proving to be memorized. I t is better for
you to build up in your mind a clinical picture, and the keynote in Dys. co. is
"N]ERVOUS TE:NSIO:N".
I t has special action on the nervous system, the duodenum and heart.
I n the brochure you will find a list of associated remedies for each nosode,
and in the case of Dys. co. the main remedies are Arsenicum, Argentum nit.
and Kalmia. As a result of "provings" carried out by the Research Committee
of the ~aculty, Cadmium metallicum may now be added to this list under
Dys. co.
As I promised, I shall now make reference to the clinical cases demonstrated
at the clinical evening at Mount Vernon on November 19th, 1952.

T~V.R~SA F~_RRAN (Dr. H. Boyd). CHOREA. Remedy: Kalmia

I n this case there was present a rheumatic carditis, and there had been a
lack of response to remedies, and suggestions were asked as to treatment. I do
not know whether the heart lesion was noted before or after the giving of
Kalmia. As I have already stated, it was very early in the work on the bowel
flora that we noted the presence of B. dysenteriae in the stool of children
suffering with chorea, so that there came a time when the mere mention of
chorea in a child made one think of the nosode Dys. co. (Bach) as the possible
remedy. Arsenicum alb. is one of the associated remedies, and if you will look
up Clarke's Materia Medica under this remedy you will find his description of the
mentals of this remedy, and I suggest that this is an excellent description of
the mentals of the nosode Dys. co. As a picture of the arsenic temperament he
 ''UP-TO-DATE WITH NOSOD]~S" 133

describes the horse, "an exceedingly nervous animal, constantly moving about,
restless to a degree, and very prone to take fright".
I n Dys. co. the nervous tension is anticipatory in character it is indicated
in the individual who, b y nature, is of a nervous disposition and experiences
nervous tension before undertaking some duty, especially if this involves a
public appearance. I t is a fear, not of failing to perform the duty, but a fear
that he will not reach the high standard of proficiency he has set himself. That
is the nature of the nerve tension of this nosode.
I t is now about twenty-five years ago since the late Dr. Dishington pub-
lished a paper, "The Pathogenesis of Dysentery and the Proving of the Nosode
Dys. co." (BRITISH HO~OPATmC JOURNAL, April, 1929). There is much to
commend this early work on the proving of nosodes, but there you will find a list
of twenty-three remedies stated to be complementary to Dys. co. From t h a t
list in an up-to-date assessment I would select three only: Arsen., Argen. nit.
and Kalmia.
I n spite of the pleadings of colleagues, I have been very loath to make any
publication until there has been sufficient time to prove the nosodes and the
associated remedies. I f you have any clinical provings from your use of nosodes
I appeal to you to come forward with the evidence. That is what is required
before one is justified in publishing a book on nosodes.
Duodenal ulcer is found under Dys. co. and the type of ulcer is t h a t more
often found in early life, and you see it in the individual w h o has an inherited
nervous temperament. I n the provings of Cadmium met. in London, pyloric
spasm, confirmed b y X-ray, was an outstanding symptom in one of the "prov-
ers" who at that time gave B. dysenteriae in his stool. I n children diagnosed as
suffering from "congenital pylorie stenosis" the B. dysenteriae was frequently
found in the stool and the nosode Dys. co. often brought about beneficial
results. F r o m this, one concluded t h a t the case was not congenital stenosis but
pyloric spasm.
The skin eruption of Dys. co. is not very extensive but quite characteristic.
I t occurs only in small circinate, scurfy patches, and is often evanescent.
Dr. Hamish Boyd, in presenting this case of chorea, called attention to the
presence of a condition, as described in the modern textbooks as erythema
marginata, and t h a t aptly describes the Dys. co. eruption.
Reviewing this case from a nosode point of view, one would note the
diagnosis of chorea; the choice of Kalmia which seems to have acted, but
according to the record there was a lack of full response to the selected remedy;
and a pathological condition (carditis) was present, also a typical skin eruption.
On this clinical picture the nosode Dys. co. would be indicated and could be
expected to enhance the action of the remedy Kalmia.

MORGAn CO. (BACK)

The keynote of this nosode is "COnGESTIOn", and if you apply this to the
various parts of the body you should be able to form a clinicalpicture. The
pathological action is mainly upon the skin and the portal system, and Sulphur
and Carbon form the basis of most of t h e associated remedies. Sulphur suggests
redness of the skin and mucous membranes, while Carbon calls to mind a stasis
of circulation, a lack of oxygen, a blueness. To exemplify its action I shall take
the following cases from the clinical evening.

CAs~ 5. MARY KX~G, 4 YV.ARS

Infantile eczema since age of 3 months; face and scalp; been in General
Hospital five times.
Remedies: Sulph., Psorinum, Bacillinum.
Skin eruption, especially in the infant, is an outstanding s y m p t o m in this
nosode, and few cases will clear without an intereurrent dose of Morgan co.
I n this case, obviously resistant, a series of remedies were given--all are within
134 THE BRITISH HOMO]OPATHIC JOURNAL

the hst associated with B. Morgan--and in practice I should have given this
case the nosode Morgan co. (Bach).
CASE 6. IAN BARCLAY, 6 YEARS. Remedy: Hepar sulph.
Infantile eczema; tendency to bronchitis; relapsed on return home.
Stool examination: B. Morgan-Gaertner.
In this case the clinical picture suggested Hepar sulph, which acted and
the stool examination yielded B. Morgan-Gaertner. In the list you will note that
Hepar sulph, is given as an associated remedy and so because of the tendency
to relapse, after the action of Hepar sulph., I would have given the nosode
M organ-Gaertner.
I t is worth noting that most of the remedies listed under Morgan-Gaertner
have a 4 to 8 p.m. modality, as in Lycopodium, the first rank remedy of the
group. I n the Morgan (Pure) group Sulphur and Calcium carbonate are in the
first rank. From this you will also note that in the Morgan (Bach) group the
well-tried trio of remedies mentioned by Kent and the older homceopathie
physicians are brought right up to date in our study of the bowel nosodes.
CASE 2. FRANCIS GIBBONS. 4 YEARS. Infantile eczema, asthma.
Remedies: Numerous; most effective (1) Medorrh., (2) Natrum sulph.
In this case I will call attention first to the alteration of symptoms: eczema
and asthma, and on that alone the nosode which would come first to mind is
Mutabilc (Paterson). As the name implies, this organism tends to mutate easily
and the remedy which has been found to be associated with it is Pulsatilla,
and you are well aware of the changeability of that remedy.
I n the case now under review, however, I wouhi call attention to the
remedies which had been found to have effect: (1) Medorrh., (2) Natrum sulph.,
and if you will refer to your list you will note that these remedies are given
under the nosode Bac. No. 10 (or sometimes called Morgan "X"). On this
association I would have chosen the nosode Bac. No. 10 to complement the
action of the remedies.
These clinical cases demonstrate the action on the skin, and may I here
emphasize the point that the typical skin eruption of the Morgan nosode has
I,nTENSE ITCh]NO and it need not necessarily be worse from heat: it may be
better from heat, but it is always itching.
The congestive action of this nosode on the central nervous system is
marked by periodic headache, migraine associated with bilious vomiting
attacks, and the action on the liver by cholecystitis or the formation of gall
stones.
In congestion of the lungs especially broncho-pneUmonia of children
which does not respond to the chosen r e m e d y - - a dose of the Morgan nosode
may act and be followed by an immediate drop in the temperature and the
beginning of convalescence.
Some of you may remember a series of cases I reported at one of the
clinical evenings held at the Glasgow Homo~opathic Hospital before the war, of
renal calculi, confirmed by X-ray plates, in which the B. Morgan-Gaertner
had been found in the stool in each case, and the peculiar clinical symptom was
that the first attack of pain had occurred on the left side although calculi were
also found in the right kidneys. I~/copodium is the main associated remedy with
Morgan-Gaertner, and as you know its characteristic is the passing of symptoms
from right to left.
The nosode J1orgdn-Gaert~er is a remedy to be considered especially in
left-sided renal colic and calculi.
I~OTEVS (BAc~)
I t has been found difficult to find a keynote for this nosode, but "brain-
storm" will at least suggest that the action is related to the central and sympa-
thetic nerve systems, and the characteristic is the SUDDENNESSof action.
 *~UP-TO-DATE WITH NOSODES" 135

This action is mainly through the sympathetic control of the capillary

circulation and it m a y be evidenced by a sudden increase or decrease of blood
supply in any of the capillary systems of the body; sudden oedema (angio-
neurotic)--or sudden blanching of an area (dehydration).
Natrum mur. is in the first rank of associated remedies, but I would point
out t h a t in Proteus the main element is the CHLORINE and thus all the chlorides
come into this group: Ammon. tour., A r u m tour., Baryta mur., Calc. tour.,
Ferr. tour., Kali mur., Mag. tour., Merc. cor., Natr. tour., Plat. mur. (Do not
forget t h a t Merc. cot. is a chloride of mercury.)
I n speaking about this nosode it offers an opportunity for me to put before
you what I consider to be a very practical point which has arisen through the
work on nosodes and associated remedies.
You are familiar with the practice of "plussing" a remedy to enhance its
action, and it is suggested t h a t b y this process the "potency" is changed. I n the
Organon, H a h n e m a n n says that the degree of each dose should deviate some-
what from the preceding one.
I suggest that you can achieve the same object b y changing the chemical
composition somewhat, e.g. if Natrum tour. has been chosen but the action is
not according to expectation, the next remedy might be Mag. tour. or Kali mur.,
etc., keeping the central nucleus of chlorine but varying the attachment. I n
other words, if a remedy does not work although well chosen, you m a y t r y
plussing, changing the electrical Charge; but should that fail I suggest t h a t you
t r y altering the chemical composition before abandoning the basic remedy.
There are m a n y disease complexes with which one would associate sudden
cutting off of capillary circulation, and indicate the use of the nosode Proteus
(Bach). Sudden vertigo, ~[eni6re's disease, R a y n a u d ' s disease, intermittent
claudication and coronary (?) thrombosis. Here I had better add a precautionary
note and make it quite clear t h a t I am not suggesting t h a t a true coronary
thrombosis is an indication for the use of the nosode Proteus, but clinical
experience has proved t h a t in m a n y cases thus diagnosed, the B. Proteus has
been found in the stool and the use of the nosode has been beneficial, suggesting
that the basic condition was not from mechanical block (thrombus) but from a
temporary cutting off (spasm) of the capillary circulation.
The type and clinical aspects of duodenal ulcer found under proteus m a y
have similar explanation. Usually there are no prodromal symptoms, but a
sudden onset of acute pain and hmmatemesis or perforation of an ulcer. Enquiry
will in most cases, however, make clear t h a t there has been a long period of
nervous strain over business or family affairs. I n the typical Dys. co. duodenal
ulcer, I suggested t h a t the nervous tension was an inherited temperament, but
in Proteus the nerve strain seems to be imposed upon the individual; it is an
environmental factor which gradually but surely wears down the resistance
which finally and suddenly gives way with the rapid :development of an ulcer.
Before World W a r I I the B. Protews was a rare type of non-lactose fermenting
organism found in stool examinations, but now it is met with in greater fre-
quency and this I associate with the long nerve strain of the war years and the
aftermath.
The remedy Apis meuifica, which you will find also in the list of associated
remedies, should remind you t h a t under this nosode a sudden abnormal increase
m a y occur in a localized area, angioneurotic (edema.

BAc. No. 7 (PATERSON) (formerly B. No. VII)

Here the k e y n o t e "mental and physical fatigue" is very clear, and you
should have l i t t l e difficulty in forming your o w n clinical picture of this
nosode.
:Kali carb. is the main associated remedy, and you know the characteristic
weakness of the muscles, particularly of the lumbar muscles, with backache and
sensitiveness to touch or draught.
136 THE BRITISH HOM(EOPATtIIC JOUI:t:NAL

I n No. 7 the mental weakness is so marked t h a t even the thought of work

causes physical fatigue and ache of the muscles.
I n a recent article in the British Medical Journal attention was drawn to
the danger of giving potassium salts to cases where there is any risk of myo-
cardial weakness. I t was pointed out that potassium had a selective action on
the myocardium and t h a t in animal experimentation very often the first sign
of action of this metal was cardiac failure. T h a t action would suggest that in the
homceopathic sense it would be a useful remedy in cases which clinically show
signs of myocardial failure, and t h a t has been found in the proving of this
nosode Bac. No. 7 and its associated remedies--the Kali salts.

GAERTSER (BACH)
Here the keynote is "malnutrition" which is the basic s y m p t o m throughout
the proving of this nosode. As one would expect, it is the nosode which is
applicable to the earliest years of life, in fact to the earliest months of life, to the
stage about 6 months when the infant is weaned from the mother's milk and is
started off on artificial feed. During the period of active growth, nutrition is an
all-important factor and a characteristic in the Gaertner proving is t h a t the child
is undernourished, the physical development is retarded, but in striking contrast
the mental faculties seem to be over active.
I f you combine the characteristics of two associated remedies, Phos., with
its hypersensitive mental symptoms, and Silica with its lack of physical
stamina, you will get a very good picture of the nosode Gaertner (Bach).
I n the infant so prone to disturbances in the alimentary tract, gastro-
enteritis, acute and chronic, and to ~he disease complexes which are included
in the general term of "intestinal infantilism", the nosode Gaertner (Bach) is
peculiarly indicated.
I n the adult in the advanced years (second childhood) B. Gaertner has been
found in malignancy of the bowel, but this is usually met with in patients over
(~0 years, and the characteristic is t h a t the malignancy is usually only suspected
because of the marked malnutrition.
I t is worth while studying the remedies in this group, and noting t h a t all
combinations with Phosphorus (phosphates) come into it, as also do the fluorides,
Mercurius, Zinc and Syphilinum.

SYCOTIC CO. (PATERSOn)

The keynote for this nosode is "irritability", and the action is not upon the
skin as in Morgan (Bach) but on the mucous membrane. I t is the "catarrhal
nosode" and as there is a detailed proving in the brochure already mentioned,
I need speak only very briefly on the outstanding points of importance. First
I would call your attention to the "head symptoms", the insidious type of
headache met with in the child which is likely suddenly to develop into the
typical meningeal symptoms of a tuberculous meningitis. I f a child complains
of recurring, although slight, headaches, consider this nosode and you m a y
anticipate and prevent a tuberculous meningitis. Convulsive seizures also occur
in the proving of Sycotic co. Being a "catarrhal" remedy you can picture its
action upon the various areas of mucous membrane, nasal catarrh, with enlarged
tonsillar and adenoid tissue, bronchial catarrh, acute and chronic, and, in
addition, I would call attention to an asthmatic s y m p t o m with a 2 a.m. modal-
ity, evidenced in the child b y a dry croupy and persistent cough.
Sycotic co. has a selective action on the genito-urinary tract with marked
action on the kidney. The symptom-complex of albuminuria, especially in the
child, m a y be taken as an indication for this nosode. I t is also indicated in
catarrhal conditions of the urethra, gonorrhceal or non-gonorrhceal, a c u t e or
chronic.
 ~UP-TO-DATE ~rlTH N O S O D E S ~' 137

CLI~IC~ A~PLICATION o r Bowv.L NOSODES

At this stage, I think you will have realized t h a t the bowel nosodes are
particularly apphcable to the treatment of C~RO~ZC disease, and so I must
define for you what I mean by the term chronic disease.
I use this in the strict Hahnemannian sense, as expressed in the Organon
of Medicine, 6th edition. Here the word "chronic" is used to denote the depth
of action rather than the length of time. All "chronic diseases", according to
Hahnemann, have their origin in a basic miasm, an inherent derangement of
vital function. Under this conception, an eczematous eruption in a 6-months-old
b a b y is a "chronic" disease, and m a n y of the so-called "acute diseases" are, in
reality, "acute phases" of a "chronic disease". I t is upon this thesis t h a t I have
formulated m y rules for the clinical application of the bowel nosodes.
(t) Choice of Potency
I n chronic disease, especially where there is marked pathological evidence,
the rule is to use Low potencies and repeat daily over a period; that being
determined b y clinical observation.
I consider a "low potency" anything below a 6c.
I n ACUTE disease, as defined b y Hahnemann, the rule is t h a t so often stated
as being the basic principle of homceopathic t h e r a p y - - " t h e SINGLE dose, mG~
potency, and LONG interval before repeating". T h a t m a y be the ideal, but it is
seldom found to be practicable, and such declaration b y eminent writers on
Homoeopathy leads to confusion in the minds of students unless the explanation
is also given t h a t this rule applies only to "ACUTE DISEASES" SO defined b y
Hahnemann.
The s y m p t o m complexes which we call "acute diseases" are, as I have
already explained, in reality "acute phases" of a chronic disease, and here the
potency level must not only be high but also repeated at intervals according to
the clinical observation of the physician. I consider 30c to l m the potency level
for such acute disturbances.
Above the l m potency level I consider to be very high and applicable in
SZNGLE dose for ACUTE disease (Hahnemannian).
(2) Choice of ~osode
I f a remedy comes out from the "taking of the case" the rule is to give
t h a t remedy, but in m a n y cases the choice is difficult and lies within a group of
possible remedies. Here, I suggest t h a t you make use of the published list of
remedies associated with the bowel nosodes, and repertorize your group of
possibles. I f the majority of your remedies appear in any one of the nosode
groups---that is the nosode of choice in t h a t case. Within the Morgan (Bach)
group you m a y even be able to select Morgan (Pure) or Morgan-Gaertner, but
again if there is dubiety, then use the broader t y p e of nosode Morgan (Bach).
Extending this principle, ff there is no outstanding group of remedies
which would decide the choice of a particular nosode, you m a y start the case
off with "Poly Bowel (Bach)"--formerly called "P.B.V." which is the
broadest of all the nosodes since it was made from all the non-lactose fermenting
bowel organisms, excepting the Sycoccu.s (Paterson).
I n taking the case, do not neglect to include the life history of the patient,
for here you m a y find the clue to a nosode from your knowledge of the acute
phases--disease complexes--and their association with a basic chronic disease
and the clinical proving of a bowel nosode.
F r o m the suggestions I made on the clinical cases earlier in this talk, you
will recall t h a t in a case under t r e a t m e n t which is not proving effective or where
there is an apparent lack of response to a previously effective remedy, an inter-
current dose of the appropriate bowel nosode m a y be given. Later the original
remedy m a y be repeated, but this time with beneficial response.
I n cases of chronic disease, which present symptoms demanding active
treatment, e.g. extensive eczema with intense itching or a rheumatoid arthritis
138 THE BRITISH HOM(EOPATHIC JOURNAL

with persisting pain, it is practical and often beneficial to combine the action
of a bowel nosode with a complementary remedy. The nosode m a y be given,
say, in l m potency for a dose each of four nights, and concurrently giving a daily
dose in low potency.
This combination of nosode and remedy in varying potency I find has
remarkable effect in the treatment of chronic disease, in the dual sense of the
w o r d ~ s e a s e s which have been of long standing, and also of great depth of
action from a basic miasm.

CONCLUDING REMARKS
Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen, if I have overrun the time limit with
this lengthy discourse, I offer apologies, but you will no doubt realize from what
I have been able only to touch upon, that there is a great deal more to be said on
the subject of the bowel nosodes from the bacteriological and the clinical aspects.
Our Glasgow Homceopathie Hospital is the centre from which the bowel
nosodes were pioneered and at first it seemed to me to be rather like "carrying
coals to Newcastle" to be called upon to speak to m y colleagues of the Scottish
Branch of the Faculty on "Up-to-date with Nosodes".
However, in thinking over what I might say to you on the subject, I came
to realize t h a t of the m a n y papers I had given, most were delivered outside of
Glasgow and are recorded throughout the transactions of National and Inter-
national Congresses, and therefore you m a y not have had opportunity of reading
these and keeping up-to-date with the work.
The little brochure "The Bowel Nosodes" is a reprint, published by Nelsons,
of a paper given at the International Homceopathic Congress at Lyon, France,
in August, 1949, and I recommend it for your study, and if you are still anxious
to be up-to-date you will find reprints of the original articles in the Journals in
the Library of the Faculty.
I trust, however, that what I have said this evening may enable you to t r y
out the bowel nosodes in your practice, and may I wish you all success in their
use.