The Lesser Writings Of Hahnemann

To become acquainted with the genius Dr Samuel Hahnemann, it is necessary to study his miscellaneous medical writings along with his substantial and voluminous works, The Organon, Materia Medica Pura and The Chronic Diseases. It encloses the homoeopathic doctrines and the peculiarities of its practice. It contains all the Essays in Stapf’s collection. The writings have been arranged as much as possible in the order of their appearance. It must be read by every student of homoeopathy who wishes to become acquainted with the master mind himself.

It also includes an elaborate work (On Venereal Diseases) of a date antecedent to Hahnemann's first notion respecting the homoeopathic principle, containing many original ideas, and most important innovations on the common practice; the date of its publication sufficiently accounts for its old-fashioned pathology and chemistry. It also consists chiefly of Essays on subjects connected with Hygiene.

In this work Hahnemann mentions that he has invented a certain "strengthening balsam," for the treatment of old ulcers, whose composition he does not reveal, but which he offers to supply genuine to anyone.

To some of the notes brackets [ ] are simply added to explain certain passages which seemed to require elucidation.

There are 20 writings which have not been included in the book are enumerated in the ‘Translator’s Preface’ such as-

- Directions for curing radically old sores and indolent ulcers, with an appendix, containing a more appropriate treatment of fistulas, caries, spina ventosa, cancer, white swelling and pulmonary consumption.

- On Poisoning by Arsenic, the remedies for it, and its medico-legal investigation.

- The materia medica of Albert von Haller.

- On the difficulties of preparing soda from potash and kitchen salt.

Lesser writings open us to the real experiences and struggles of an individual which he faces in their lifetime. Their state of mind while writing the papers and what were the drawbacks of the work that they would see around them. The mindset and realities of that time are been unveiled.