HOMOEOPATHY 
you 
THE PEOPLE. 
ttr 
HERBERT M. DAYFOOT, M. D.. 
MOUNT MORRIS, 1ST . ‘'ST . 
‘ Head. not to oontradict and confute, nor to believo and take for granted, nor 
U> find talk and diacourso, but to weigh and consider.”—Lord Bacon. 
1868. HOMEOPATHY 
TOO 
THE PEOPLE. 
"f ■ 
HERBERT M. DAYFOOT, M. D.. 
MOUNT MORRIS, 3ST.-5T- 
“Rend, not to contradict and confute. fco/toJselieve and take for granted, nor 
to find talk and discourse, but to weigh ana d'oftsktor.”—Loud 13acon. 
1868. PREFACE. 
The only reason the author has to assign for appearing before 
the public in the following pages, is a desire to present to the 
masses, a brief view of the system of Homoeopathy with some 
statistic il comparisons of truthsy facts and figures, that the reader 
may form his own conclusions, as to the comparative merits of 
Homoeopathy and other forms of practice. 
If he shall succeed in awakening a spirit of investigation in the 
matter and serve to disibuse the public mind of many prevalent 
and erroneous ideas relative to the Homoeopathic practice of 
Pnysic, his utmost ambition will be realized. 
In committing the following pages to the Press the writer is 
actuated by no other motive than the giving of information, and 
correcting the errors of those who, from ignorance, havo been 
prejudiced against that system and practice of medicine which he 
believes is founded in truth and if universally adopted would 
greatly diminish the amount of human suffering as well as largely 
contribute to hutuau longevity. 
If by anything that he has written he may wound the feelings 
of those who hold opposite views, he can only beg of them to quit 
him of any intentional design to stir up strife or provoke to anger, 
his sole object being truth and duty. 
The author does not lay particular claim to original- 
ity, having availed himself of the best attainable publications 
bca ing on the subject, in order to present the matter embraced 
in as readable a form as possible. For the purpose, then, of 
answering the frequent inquiries concerning this progressive 
system of practice, of refuting the many misrepresentations 
either knowingly or ignorantly set against it, and of supplying 
facts for the information of the general public, this pamphlet is 
respectfully submitted. HOMOEOPATHY, 
ITS ORIGIN AND EXPLANATION. 
This is essentially an age of progress, commerce is on the in- 
crease, the arts and sciences flourish, cities and villages spring up 
as if by magic, civilization is rapidly spreading her broad and 
gentle sway over every portion of the habitable globe, commerce 
and religion are walking hand in hand throughout the world for 
the diffusion of knowledge and Chris'ianity, “ Old things are 
passing away, all things are becoming new.” Not least amongst 
these do we find improvements in the science and practice of 
medicine. Its votaries are keeping pace with the march of 
intellect in other fields. The follies and dosmas of the past are 
being supplanted by truths gained from the bas;s of fixed princi- 
ples, fashioned and being made perfect in the school of experience. 
Especially during the last half century has there been a mere 
striking revolution. The “ human form divine ” has now a 
comparative holiday from the tortures and butcheries which were 
inflicted upon it; the lancet is less frequently used than ever 
before; the wholesale exhibition of Quinine, Calomel and purga- 
tives is somewhat restricted, and everything seems tending to a 
more rational and enlightened system of practice. Of course it 
will be asked, What agency has been mainly instrumental in the 
accomplishment of this salutary improvement? We answer, 
unhesitatingly, The advent of Homoeopathy. Should any one 
question the veracity of this broad assertion, we can only recom- 
mend them to trace back the Medical literature for the last 
century, and find to what point their researches will tend. Then 
compare the teachings of the dournant school at that period with 
the declaration of Dr. Holmes, an Allopathic Professor of to-day, 
“ That if all the medicines in the world, except wine and opium, 
were thrown into the sea, it would only be the better for men and 
worse for the fishes.” 
Hut what is this Homoeopathy; this wonderful system of 
medicine which has introduced order out of chaos, and has 
established its foundation on the immutable rock of principle? 
You have only to look back within the allotted period of man’s 
existence (three score years and ten) to behold a spark of firo 4 
kindled in Saxony, small at first, yet gradually increasing in sur- 
face and brilliancy till finally it has become such a luminary as 
to arrest the attention of progressive civilization. Coming out 
from the centre of this flame in beautiful scintillations is the 
imperishable motto, Similia similibus cu, ranter—“ Like cures 
like.” These are the words inscribed upon the escutcheon of 
Homoeopathy, at which learned Doctors and venerable Professors 
frequently shake their hoary heads, and try to chase away the phan- 
tom by well mixed and ponderous doses of satire, frowns, ridicule 
and imprecations. But strange to say, it wont stay scared, but 
burns brighter and brighter, the beacon light honored and welcomed 
by the great multitude of suffering humanity. Louder and louder 
swells the chorus in token of their deliverance from the Calomel 
and the lancet. 
Although it is a comparatively short period since Homoeopathy 
was introduced as a science, the law shewed itself even so far 
back as the time of Hippocrates, the “ Father of medicine,” 
who says, “ By agencies producing effects similar to the symp- 
toms of the disease must it be treated, and not by contraries;” 
and Shakespeare too by a kind of intuition says, 
“ In poison there is physic; and the news 
Having been well that should have made me sick, 
Being sick has in some measure made me well,” 
Henry IV, Part 2, Act 1, Scene I. 
But to Ilahneman, a German Physician, was reserved the honor 
of promulgating and establishing the principle upon a firm basis. 
This eminent man and brilliant scholar feeling disgusted with,the 
Practice of Pnysic as theu pursued, abandoned it, and supported 
his family by preparing translations of Medical and other scien- 
tific works for the press. While engaged in translating “ Cullen’s 
Materia Medici ” from the English into the German, his attention 
was arrested by the author’s explanation of the peculiar action of 
Peruvian Bark in the cure of Fever and Ague. In his philo- 
sophical and enquiring mind there arose a suspicion, that the 
specific virtue of the B irk consisted in the virtue which it 
possessed of exciting Intermittent Fever in the healthy subject. 
With him, to think was to act, so accordingly he took (while in 
a state of health) massive does of Quinine, and had the satisfac- 
tion of finding his former belief confirmed. Thus in one brilliant 
flash of genius he give to the world an inestimable boon, and to 
himself a name that can never bo obliterated by the waters of 
oblivion. 
He now commenced a series of “ provings ” on himself and 5 
friends, and found the results were always alike. Believing this 
to be not the creature of accident, he instituted provings of 
other drugs, and after years of self-denying, self-sacrificing labors, 
he gave to the world the facts which had been elicited. 
Under the banner of Sim ilia similibus curanler he gathered 
about him disciples and co-workers, and recommended the prac- 
tice of medicine from this new and rational standpoint. Such 
was the success of his teachings, and the efficacy of his treatment, 
that he soon attracted the attention of the scientific world ; and 
excited the envy, hatred and persecution of his former colleagues 
and adherents of the “ regular school.” Some idea may be formed 
of the venom and bitterness of these personal attacks, when it is 
stated, that after aggravations of every possible kind, he was 
finally banished from Ids native land. But ignorance and arro- 
gance how impotent thou art to crush by brute force the progress’ 
of justice and truth ! At the present day, in the city of 
Leipsic, there stands a monumental Statue of Bronze in honor 
of this immortal Physician and distinguished man , while his 
name goes to swell the list of such self-sacrificing men as Col- 
umbus, Jenner, Harvey, Pare, Paracelcus and Gallileo. Each 
of these men were persecuted and ridiculed in their time, res- 
pected, esteemed and loved by the unborn millions who were to 
come after them, and reap advantage from their consistency and 
sufferings. 
That drug poisoning does produce symptoms in the healthy 
similar to the signs produced in the diseased organization, and 
that the same drug that will produce these similar signs will 
eradicate the corresponding symptoms of disease, is abundantly 
proved in the every day practice of medicine. Belladonn i when 
swallowed as a poison produces a scarlet rash, fever, headache, 
sore throat, &c., all of which symptoms are found in Scarlet Fever. 
Now this same drug, as first discovered by Hahneman, will not 
only generally cure but also act as a prophylactic to this disease'. 
Not that Belladonna will ever produce Scarlet Fever, but it 
produces a train of symptoms similar to Scarlet Fever. Then 
again, this aaent together with Stramonium, Ilyoscyamus and 
Opium, when acting on the healthy organization show such vivid 
pictures of the Typhus or Meningitis, that the attention of the 
casual observer could not fail to be arrested by the Similia ; and 
those remedies arc especially efficacious in these diseases. Even 
the shining stars of the “regular school” put words into our 
mouth in support of this great fundamental law. Dr. Paris says, 
“ that in the neighborhood of the copper mining works of Corn- 6 
wall and Wales he has seen serious suffering from cancerous 
affections in consequence of the arsenical fumes arising from the 
smelting worksand Dr. Rush says, “ I believe Arsenic to be 
the most efficacious remedy that has ever been used for cancerous 
affections.” Sulphur has been extensively employed in skin dis- 
eases, and no one can doubt its Homoepathicity to Scabies (itch) 
who has visited or read of the Sulphur Baths in Germany, where 
the “ Bath Rash ” is the invariable attendant of those who drink 
the water. Amongst the toxicological effects of Aconitum 
Napellus (monks hood) are to be found tearing, wrenching, 
screwing or boring pains, lacinating or stinging pains, pains as if 
a hot iron wore thrust through the parts, and withal attended 
with soreness and sensitiveness to pressure or contact. Here 
we have described “ to a charm ” the pains of Neuralgia, which 
even the most obtuse and prosaic practitioners of the Old School 
do not pretend to treat without making use more or less of this 
drug. Wherein lies its curative powers? Not as a narcotic 
surely?—for Opium, Hydrocyanic Acid, Belladonna and various 
other drugs are powerful narcotics, but they will not cure Neural- 
gia. Its therapeutic action is to be found in the single fact, that 
Aconite will produce on the healthy tissues, symptoms similar to 
those of Neuralgia. The nervous system is affected alike, 
hence we say that Aconite is Homoeopathic to Neuralgia. 
Mercury if taken in large quantities will produce ulcerations of 
the intestines, boils, pains, jaundice, livcr-complaints; yet we 
have the testimony of eminent Physicians, that these disorders 
can be cured by a judicious employment of Mercury. Colocyn- 
this (Bitter Cucumber) causes tearing and colicky pains, stitches 
in the liver, &c. So we find this an admirable remedy in cases of 
Spasmodic, Neuralgia and Bilious Colic. The property that 
Ipecacuana possesses of producing vomiting is well known, hence 
Homoeopathic Physicians have recourse to this agent for the 
relief of certain forms of nausea and vomiting. Nux Vomica 
(Strychnine) causes an inflammatory irritation of the stomach, 
accompanied with burning distress, oppression after eating, Heart 
burn, &c. So following out the principles of our law', we oftimes 
obtain the happiest results from the employment of this drug in 
Dyspepsia. 
And so we might proceed, multiplying example upon example 
of instances where the therapeutic range of a drug corresponds 
with its toxicological effects ; but let these suffice while we consider 
THE QUESTION OF DOSE. 
A very large bugbear in the road of some, who would other- 7 
wise appreciate the virtues of Homoeopathy, is the various 
opinions indulged in, and the conceptions entertained regarding 
the dose. Now my reader, if you are so disposed, bear with mo 
while we endeavor to put you on the right track in reference to 
this much abused and rarely understood question. When Hah- 
neman recommenced the practice of Physic under the Similia 
law, he made no change in the usual quantity of medicine admin- 
istered. But he soon found that his drugs produced noticeable 
aggravation. And why ? Because medicines Homocopathically 
prescribed act directly upon the diseased part, not having to 
travel all over the organization ’ere they reach the seat of the 
malady. Now it is apparent that a healthy tissue can withstand 
a stronger influence brought to bear upon it than one in a 
diseased condition; an inflamed eye is more susceptible to the 
influence of light that when in a normal state; the human 
stomach is oftimes in such a condition that it will not suffer any 
foreign substance to occupy its territory, while, in a state of 
health, it often crammed by liquids and solids with impunity. 
Thus reasoned the Master, who foon found that in order to 
receive the greatest beneficial results from his drugs, he must 
give them in smaller doses. Ilis highest expectations wero 
realized, and by adopting a fixed method of trituration and 
dilution, he was enabled the better to command the actions of 
his remedies; thus paving the way to the territory of a more 
ennobling and progressive position. The reasonableness of tho 
curative range of infinitesimal doses we shall endeavor to explain. 
Medicines act by the circulation, by absorption. The capillaries 
are the connecting medium between the arteries and the veins, 
and vary in size from the 37’00 to the 2J'00 of an inch. Medi- 
cines must necessarily pass through these tubes in order to 
reach the affected part. Now is it not apparent that these massive 
doses of drugs only serve to clog up these minute vessels, and thus 
be prevented from reaching their destination ? So the Homoeo- 
path Iriturates and divides the particles composing crude 
substances, ’till access is rendered practical. In this system 
of trituration he also claims, that the medicine is spread over a 
larger surface, and the dynamic power of the drug is developed. 
Recent teachings in the scientific world go to show the curative 
properties of a drug reside not in its bulk or mass, but in tho 
drug force, and we contend that this force is brought out by the 
system of attenuation. Some people however will asserst, that 
they cannot see how Homoeopathic remedies can accomplish the 
desired effect. We would ask such persons if they can sec the 8 
miasm which brings the scourge of Cholera? Can they see the 
exhalations of lead which causes paralysis and cholic ? Do they 
see the perfume of the flowers which may cause dizziness, vertigo, 
or even apploplexy ? Do they see the substance left in the mas- 
ter’s footsteps sufficient to enable his dog to follow and find him 
amidst thousands ? Must everything be tangible and have bulk 
in order to secure comprehension ? No, my doubting reader, you 
must oftimes be satisfied with abundant manifestations, and the 
knowledge that the thing is so, and seek not to plunge into the 
mysterious labyrinths of the unknown. Our system of practice 
does not require to leave behind it shattered frames and disor- 
dered intellects in order to give proof of its efficacies. We have 
full confidence in our Art, and believe that medicines can be so 
applied as to be efficacious without being mischievous. * * * 
We hope the reader has not gathered from the foregoing the 
impression that we class together the Homeopathic law and the 
infinitesimal dose. They are widely different, and bear no more 
relation to each other than that one is adjunct to the other. A 
man can be a Homoeopath and perfectly consistent with his pro- 
fession, whether he prescribe in doses of ten grains or the one 
decillioneth part of one grain. There is no sveb thing as a 
“Homoeopathic dose” any more than as regards the selection of 
the remedy upon the principle of Similia. We generally use 
small doses because : 
1st.—Large doses produce aggravations given under the Hom- 
oeopathic law. 
2nd.—Medicines are received into the circulation and distribu- 
ted through the system much better when so given. 
3rd.—We obtain the dynamic power of the drug. 
4th.—We receive a prompt and lasting effect. 
5lh.—The human system is not made a repository for drugs, 
calculated to lay the foundation for disease oftimes tar exceeding 
in virulence the original malady. 
It has been remarked of the dominant school, by one of its 
members, “ That a Physician in an epidemic if tolerably success- 
ful, can pave the way to a life-long remunerative practice in 
attending to the diseases he himself has created. * * * * 
Having now endeavored to explain as fully as space will permit, 
the question of dose and the principles of our belief, we now beg 
to present to our readers 
When an individual prefers a claim in court of law, he is 
A CONTRAST. 9 
expected to sustain his position by the best evidence at his com- 
mand. So we, in advocating the claims of Homoeopathy, find our 
proofs in the triumphant success which has followed it wherever 
employed. It lias been pitted against ether schools time and 
again, and always with the same result. Wherever it has had a 
fair trial it has spoken for itself. Wherever it has been announced 
it has made for itself hosts of warm, true friends. Its mildness, 
promptness and efficacy commend it to all. But without farther 
delay we will proceed to adduce some statistics, most of whom 
speak volumes for thfimselves, 
General Results.—At various hospitals in London, Glas- 
gow, Edinburgh, Liverpool, Vienna, Leipsic and Leinz, the 
mortality was 104 per cent, under Allopathy, and only 41- under 
Homoeopathy. The General Board of Health of Leith and 
Edinburgh report, under the head of Pneumonia or Inflammation 
of Lungs, the following Recapitulation: 
Homoeopathic Treatment, Mortality 5 to 6 per cent. 
Allopathic “ “ 14 to 24 “ “ 
Expectant, in which no medicine was given... 7 to 8 “ “ 
In this table we find Allopathy more than 7 per cent, worse than 
no treatment at all! 
The Atlantic Mutual Insurance Co. of this State published a 
table of mortality shewing the respective merits of Homoeopathy 
and other systems of practice. We have only room for the 
Per Cent 
Per Cent 
Per Cent 
ltatio of 
of Hornceo- 
of Alio- 
saved by 
Allopathic to 
pathic 
patliic 
Homoeo- 
Homoeopathic 
Mortality. 
Mortality. 
pathy. 
Mortality. 
General Diseases 
4.17 
13.53 
69.18 
3.24 
Cholera 
1G.83 
49.57 
6G.05 
2.94 
Typhus Fever 
8.58 
33.95 
77.68 
3.95 
Yellow Fever 
5.33 
43. G8 
87.80 
8.20 
Pneumonia 
5.34 
31.22 
82.90 
5.84 
Average.. 
8.05 
34.39 
76.72 
4.83 
GENERAL SUMMARY. 
The late war has added its quota to the many laurels that 
entwine the brow of* our goddess. Two military hospitals were 
established in St. Louis, one Allopathic, under the charge of R. 
H. Paddock, M. D., formerly professor in the McDowell Medical 10 
College in that city ; the other Homoeopathic, under the charge 
of E. C. Franklin, M. D., a practising Physician of the same 
place. The report of Dr. Paddock covers the six months ending 
Sept. 30th, 1864, and Dr. Franklin’s, the same period, ending 
August the 31st of the same year. Mark the contrast! 
ALLOPATHIC HOSPITAL. 
Diseases. 
Cases. 
Cured. 
Died. 
Kemain in 
Hospital. 
Tvhoid Fever 
10 
2 
7 
1 
Pneumonia 
23 
10 
12 
1 
Diarrhoea 
106 
71 
23 
12 
Dysentery 
30 
7 
21 
2 
Total, 
169 
90 
63 
16 
All other diseases... 
821 
641 
57 
123 
Grand total, 
990 
731 
120 
139 
HOMOEOPATHIC HOSPITAL. 
Typhoid Fever 
39 
35 
2 
2 
Pneumonia 
13 
13 
Diarrhoea 
95 
92 
3 
Dysentery 
32 
29 
5 
Total, 
179 
167 
2 
10 
All other diseases.... 
654 
646 
3 
5 
Grand total, 
833 
813 
5 
15 
In the first form, diseases in the Allopathic Hospital, the mor- 
tality is 37,2 per cent. In this same form of disease in the 
Homoeopathic Hospital is only 1,1 per cent. 
Average mortality in all diseases, Allopathic, 12 per cent. 
“ “ “ Homoeopathy,... .06 “ “ 
Daring the recent Cholera epidemic in Europe Dr. Rubini, 
who practices in Naples, Italy, treated nearly 200 cases. He 
did not lose a single case. Fifteen of his cases were first seen in 
the collapse stage, His Homoeopathic colleague treated over 
300 cases with only one death. Dr. Holcombe of New Orleans, 
formerly of Natchez., Miss., states, that during the prevalence of 
the Yellow Fever in the latter city during the years 1849, ’50 
and ’51, himself and partner, Dr. Davis, treated over 1000 cases 
with a mortality of less than 7 per cent. Truly this dreadful 11 
scourge is not to be more feared under Homoeopathic treatment 
than any of the common diseases we meet with in every day 
practice. 
With another table from an Allopathic source, we submit the 
subject without comment to the consideration and reflections of 
the reader. 
Hr. Routh, a member of the “ Regular ” School once wrote a 
work entitled the “ Fallacies of Homoeopathy.” In it is found 
the abstracts of the results in some of the more fatal forms of 
disease.—“ Fallacies truly !” 
HOMCEOPATHIC TREATMENT. 
ALLOPATHIC TREATMENT. 
Pneumonia, 
Deaths 
per cent. 
5.7 
Pleuritis, 
3 
Peritonitis, 
4 
Dysentery, 
3 
All diseases, 
4.4 
Deaths 
per cent. 
24 
13 
13 
21 
20.5 
The foregoing tabular statements, which are of undoubted 
authority, discover to us facts which may well startle the most 
casual reader. AVe can afford to smile at the endless wranglings 
of the learned when the subjects under discussion do not mater- 
ially affect our property, liberty or lives. No such apathy how- 
ever can be indulged respecting physic. None of us know the 
hour when disease or accident may prostrate the fair form of loved 
ones ; or when our own bodies may be overpowered with the most 
distracting pains. 
In our distress we ask where can we find relief. The first thought 
is send for a physician ! But what physician ? Surely notone of 
those who having failed to discover the true science of cure, are un- 
willing to admit that anyone else has made this grand discovery, 
but by vainly attempting to remedy their system of error have 
only succeeded in rendering confusion worse confounded. Under 
the guidance of blind conjecture they have been led to recommend 
remedies the most opposite and contradictory; a few of which 
we beg leave to subjoin for the benefit of our readers. 
Dr’s Clutterbuck, Armstrong and Currie, in their works on Fever 
not only advise, but positively insist upon two copious bleedings in 
the beginning, followed by the local abstraction of blood, with purga- 
tives, emetics, calomel, digitalis, &c. ; in fact, the whole army of 
Antiphlogistics. 
Dr. Addison, on Typhus and Typhoid Fever, in the Association 12 
Medical Journal, page 993, says : feed fever, is my motto, with wine, 
brandy, beef tea, &c. All heroic treatment by mercury, quinine or 
tonics is much to be deplored. Bleeding, blistering and leeching not 
to he thought of. 
Dr. Woodbridgo Strong read a paper before the Society for Medical 
Improvement, when he says: medicine (meaning his own peculiar 
branch of it) is practised with less knowledge of the subject than 
any other business that falls to the lot of humanity. And a little 
further on, in the same essay, he advises the daily use of powerful 
cathartics to the extent of producing from three to six daily evacua- 
tions, and this to be continued from one to six weeks. 
Dr. Henry, Boston Medical and Surgical Journal, says : that after 
twelve years experience, in a very great number ot cases he has found 
no treatment will compare with five grains of opium at a dose, which 
will confine the bowels for days. 
Dr. Todd, King’s College Hospital, treats Fever by giving a wine 
glass full of brandy every three hours, and says it is the only rational 
treatment. 
Dr. Gull, Physician to Guys Hospital, publishes a report on Fever 
in the Medical Times and Gazette, in which he says : I do not believe in 
brandy in Fever. My experience is against the system. 
CHOLERA AND ITS TREATMENT. 
Dr.'James Annstey, in his work on Cholera, says : the first thing to 
be done is to bleed freely and give twenty grains of calomel and two 
grains of opium, and apply a large blister over the abdomen 
Wm. B. Harris, M. D., Professor of Anatomy of the Rush Medical 
College, says: sulphur and charcoal are the best remedies. 
Hr. Coats of the 6th Dragoons relies upon mustard emetics. 
Dr. Black, Fellow of the Imperial Society, London, uses arsenic as 
his only remedy. « 
Dr. Nickle, Medical Officer, Wadsworth, prefers nitric acid to any 
other treatment. 
Dr. Shaw, House Surgeon to the Northern Dispensary, treats his 
cases with castor oil, and prohibits all alcoholic stimulants. 
Dr. H dl gives brandy, opium and chloroform. 
Dr. Wilson relies upon charcoal. 
Dr. Ricketts injects morphia under the skin. 
Dr. Jemmison—gallic acid, 5 grains at a dose—found calomel worse 
than useless. 
Dr. Brady, of Harrow, found brandy entirely useless. Ho relies upon 
chloroform. 
Dr. Steadman thinks cold water the best of all remedies. 
Dr. Bellows gives very hot baths with mustard. 
Dr. Watson, in his work on the Practice of Medicine, says : when 
the symptoms peculiar to Cholera have set in, medicine, I repeat, has 
very little influence. 
Thus they wander on, the blind leading the blind. What in- 
telligent man can read whole volumes of such flat contradictions 
without being convinced that the whole system is most pernicious, 13 
destroying thousands that even cruel disease would have 
spared. Add to these the multitudes who have been left to drag 
out a miserable existence worse than death; not from disease but 
from drug poisoning, and you have a faint outline of the hideous 
features of Allopathy. 
We do not intend to charge Allopathic physicians with wilfully 
poisoning patients ; But we do charge the system which they 
practice as being the fruitful source of disease and suffering beyond 
all expression. We pity the poor widows of India who ascend the 
funeral pile and there perish amid the flames that consume the 
bodies of their deceased husbands, while we anathematize 
Boodhism which teaclies this inhumanity to be a duty. In pre- 
cisely the same spirit we pity the devotees of Allopathy ; but 
abhor their system as inflicting untold misery on suffering 
humanity. 
We can stand “ with the statistics in our hands, and pointing 
them out as the ground of our faith, confidently challenge our 
opponents to the proof!” Another misconception is, regarding 
the law. People frequently propound such questions as these : 
“ If you burn your hand, does not Homoeopathy teach you to 
put it in the stove and effect a cure ?” “ Do you not relieve arsenic 
poisoning by prescribing arsenic ?” Sc. The mistake here lies 
in considering Identity synonimous with Similarity. Homoeo- 
pathy is a compound of two Greek words, signifying similar 
affection. The doctrine is expressed in the Latin phrase, Similia 
Similtbus Curantes ; or, expressed in clearer terms, ‘‘ Medicines 
tend to cure diseases similar to those they tend to produce.”— 
Not that drugs will cure the same disease which they produce ; 
but a like disease. To a reflective mind the error is readily 
discernible. 
SOME QUESTIONS ANSWERED. 
Owing in a great measure to the misrepresentations made by 
the opp inents of Homoeopathy, many people seem to regard 
Homoeopathic Physicians with suspicious eyes. The terms, 
“ Quack,-’ “ Humbug,” &c., (of which more anon) have been so 
frequently applied to them, that the masses, in a great many 
instances, arc somewhat confused on the subject, seeing, as they 
cannot help to do, the wide difference in the respective systems of 
practice. It seems almost superfluous in this enlightened age to 
waste words upon so trivial a subject; but for fear that there 
may be some who are debarred from the blessings of Homoeo- 
pathy, I would say, that in employing one of her Physicians you 14 
stand as good a chance of getting a man with an education both 
literary and medical, as you would be apt to find amongst the 
practitioners of any other system. The curriculum of our Col- 
leges is as high, and we are not afraid to say, in some cases 
higher than those of the Allopathic school. True, in this, as in 
other sciences, incompetent, uneducated men have brought dis- 
grace upon the profession; but yet the great fundamental law 
remains unaltered. Is Christianity to be ignored because one of 
its professed followers has proved himself unworthy of his 
calling, and brought the blush of shame and pity upon his co- 
workers in the faith ? Homoeopathy numbers in its ranks 
individuals who, aside from their medical profession, are bright 
and shining stars in the literary and scientific world. And here, 
too, may be found men, who claim as their Alma Mater the first 
Allopathic colleges in the country; men of experience, stamina 
and judgment, who have plodded along for years battling diseases 
with heroic doses, under the formulae of Old School dogmatism, 
till finally discouraged and disheartened by their efforts for 
success, they renounced their allegiance to the yoke that bound 
them, and enrolled themselves under the protecting banner of 
Similia. And such men have been denounced “ Quacks ” “ Im- 
postors,” “ Humbugs,” &c.; not, I am happy to affirm, by the 
most honorable and intelligent of our opponents; such men 
generally try to adduce arguments in support of their principles, 
and command our respect for their disinterested labors for the 
perfection of the healing art. But it is from the smaller fry 
these brilliant (!) emanations proceed, which always deserve to be 
answered by the contemptuous silence they merit. Do you say 
Homoeopathy is a delusion, an ignus fatuus ? Beware my reader 
how you make such a sweeping assertion without the shadow of 
proof. We court investigation. We do not wish to hide our 
light under a bushel. This is not a matter to be trifled with. 
The responsibilities of the Physician are hardly second to those 
of any other calling. His is a high and ennobling position, and 
if he occupies this sphere of action on a rotten basis, and tampers 
deceitfully with the lives and perhaps the souls of his fellow men, 
the English language does not contain denunciations strong 
enough to expose his villany. 
Those prejudiced against Ilomcepathy, and seeing its success, 
feel themselves obliged to give some explanation. One man tells 
you, “ it is faith does it.” Well, no doubt, faith is a very good 
thing in its way; but in the humble opinion of the writer, it 
would require a large amount of faith to oure a case of spasmodic 15 
colic. Allow me to ask, what is the stock of faith possessed by 
children and domestic animals? and experience shows us that 
the administration of Homoeopathic remedies to either is attended 
with the happiest results. Another sagely informs you that, “ it 
is good enough for children, but will not answer for adults-”— 
This, of course, is at variance with the previous argument, but 
no matter, some excuse must be found. Now my unbelieving 
readers, how dare you trust your children in the hands of a man 
from whom you yourself would not take medicine ? Is not their 
organism constituted like yours? Is not a Physician that is 
competent to adapt a dose with beneficial effect to the sensitive 
constitution of a child, also qualified to attend the less susceptible 
system of the parent ? No true Physician will hesitate to leave 
anything undone that would serve to be of benefit to his patient; 
and to a Homoeopathic Physician is especially reserved the right 
of graduating his doses and deviating his treatment, as his best 
judgment will dictate, and as the exigencies of the case demand. 
Another influence supposed to have a remarkable effect in our 
system of practice is diet, regimen, &c. We certainly do pay 
attention to these things, but I am not aware they are made a 
speciality. In fact, as a general rule, we are more liberal in that 
respect than our Allopathic brethren. But then, remarks another, 
“ you never permit a purgative, emetic or blister.” Yes, sir ! 
you are greatly mistaken ! There is nothing in the teachings of 
Homoeopathy that prevents the use of any and every auxiliary 
that is required. True we do not make those agents a necessary 
routine in our practice ; but we take advantage of them on certain 
occasions :—i. e., in cases ot poisoning we use emetics; in me- 
chanical obstructions of the intestines we make use of a purgative ; 
and in some cases of inflammatory action, we may have recourse 
to a blister, which by the way is purely Homoeopothic to the path- 
ological condition. A word in reference to the preparation of 
our medicines. Homoeopathy and “ little pills ” are synonymous 
with a great many ; but they are no necessary part of our system. 
We administer drugs in liquids solids, pills and powders, 
tinctures and dilutions, according to circumstances and the re- 
quirements of the case in hand. One more objection raised by 
members of other schools and we dismiss the subject. They 
will tell you that “ it’s all nature that docs it.” What a blessing 
to be a Homoeopathist to have nature on your side ! How singu- 
lar it is that nature has always entered into co-partnership with 
us, leaving others to plod along without her cheering presence ? 
We leave our readers to draw their own inference. 16 
From the time that Dr. Gram first commenced practice in New 
York, the history of Homeopathy in America has been one record 
of triumphant success. Other schools have arisen and fallen, hut 
this noble science still continues to push its way onward and 
upward. Its practitioners are numbered by thousands, and its 
patrons by millions. It is received, welcomed and courted alike 
in the palace and in the hovel. All classes and conditions of men 
have from time to time been made the recipients of its blessings. 
Simple in its operation, potent in its results, it has become a 
priceless boon to the poor unfortunate, racked with pain and 
disease. It carries the infant, mildly and efficaciously, through 
the diseases of childhood. It restores the man to his wonted 
health, without leaving behind the trail of misery consequent 
upon drug poisoning. It palliates the sufferings of the infirm and 
aged, enabling them to go down to the grave “ like a shock of 
corn which is fully ripe.” 
Homoeopathy at present boasts her Colleges, Hospitals, Phar- 
macies, Chartered Institutions, and Insurance Companies. I 
would say a word in reference to the last mentioned. Some time 
ago, at a meeting of an Insurance Company in Liverpool, Eng- 
land, the directors were presented with a report, showing: That 
the relative mortality was less under Homoepathic treatment; 
that those employing that treatment recovered sooner from dis- 
ease, and were generally blessed with greater longevity. These 
facts staring them in the face, the directors opened a special table 
for Homoeopaths, insuring then for ten per cent, less than those 
employing other treatment. Another English Company soon 
followed the example of their brethren in Liverpool, and the 
influence wafting its way across the Atlantic, shows us now two 
Insurance Companies in America, founded on a Homoepathic 
basis, viz : the “ Hahnernman ” of Cleveland Ohio, and the 
Atlantic Mutual of Albany, N. Y. 
We do not claim that our system has been brought to perfec- 
tion, or that it will always stay the ravages of disease. Man is 
mortal and must die sooner or later. But this we do claim, aud, 
moreover, can fully substantiate the assertion, that our system is 
SUPERIOR TO ANY OTHER. 
But we must lay down our pen, and we can do so with the 
hope, that we have at least cast the “ Widow’s Mite ” in favor of 
a noble system and a great truth. And this is our Homoeopathy, 
magnificent in its conception, astonishing in its results, simple in 
its comprehension, the foothold on which we stand with a feeling 
of confidence and security. DR. H. M. DAYFOOT* 
HOMOEOPATHIC PHYSICIAN. &C., 
MOUNT MORRIS. N. Y. 
Office Hours—8 to 10 A. M., 1 to 3 and 7 to 8 P. M., and at 
all times when not professionally engaged.