Hi Helen,
Overall this discussion is way beyond me for the moment (e.g. haven't
even glanced at the paper yet), but some general points:
Note that "to potentize a homeopathic remedy" is not necessarily the
same as "to change the structure of water"--but also, as Gail points
out, effective (tho some say not quite the same) remedies are made by
means other than succussion, e.g. radionics. Some say these are not
strictly "homeopathic", but that is a whole separate, and not
particularly related, debate.
So I would say your statement above is *philosophically* true according
to some people, but not practically so.
In the case of a radionically prepared remedy, not even contaminated!
Now your last statement is VERY true, and a point often overlooked in
statements of "isn't homeopathy ridiculous". You are quite right that
dilution itself is not sufficient. (Thank God!
)
If you're making a remedy from the *substance itself*--which is the
traditional, "approved", and some would say "only correct" method, then
yes (so far as I know). Well, other than via one of those (same name
yet different thing?) radionics remedy makers that can start from the
substance itself... But that's a whole other kettle of worms, isn't
it!
Some people would define a "homeopathic remedy" as one applied *and*
made by Hahnemann's method; others are okay with it made by any means,
so long as it works the same. (worms, worms, worms...
)
Ah, that statement would be more consistent with the second view, and
does make sense to me--it would seem that (maybe?) the structure is
what carries the effect, and does it matter *practically* how that
structure is achieved? To some people is matters very much
philosophically; to others, not. (But it seems to me that as the
process of achieving the structure is changed, uncertainties creep
in... How do you know *how* similar the effects will be? How do you
know if it's *really* the same, without lots of trial and (already too
easy) error? That's IMO the best argument in favor of "following the
rules"... But, that's just my opinion.)
Yes, *potentially*. And the traditional way of finding out what it is
and does, of course, would be provings!
What would be an example of "serial dilution without succussion"?
Clearly it can...
Important to note that *homeopathy* depends on far more than merely
changing water's structure; you need to know what the *effect* of that
changed structure will be, and how to apply it. That's where
consistency of method and carefulness of testing and application come
into it! All sorts of things are *potential* remedies, but we can't
use them effectively for *homeopathy* until we know how they will act,
what "disease picture" they may apply to...
Yes!
Shannon
