The therapeutic law of nature, often called the Natural Law of Cure, has been recognized in medicine since the time of Hippocrates. Many cures observed throughout history were based—knowingly or unknowingly—on this universal healing principle.
This law finds its scientific and practical expression in homeopathy through the famous maxim:
“Similia Similibus Curantur” — Like cures like.
However, it was Samuel Hahnemann who systematically studied, verified, and transformed this idea into a complete therapeutic system. He refined the phrase into a more precise directive:
“Let likes be cured by likes.”
This subtle shift changed the law from a mere observation into a consciously applied method of cure.
Historical Roots of the Law of Similars
The principle of curing by similars was not new. It had been mentioned by several ancient physicians and thinkers such as:
- Hippocrates
- Paracelsus
- Ancient Roman physicians
- Ayurvedic sages of India
Although they recognized the possibility of cure through similarity, they could not apply it universally due to lack of systematic drug proving and scientific methodology. That achievement belongs to Hahnemann.
What Does §26 of the Organon Say?
In §26 of the Organon of Medicine, Hahnemann writes:
“A weaker dynamic affection is permanently extinguished in the living organism by a stronger one, if the latter (whilst differing in kind) is very similar to the former in its manifestations.”
This aphorism is the foundation of the Natural Law of Cure.
Key Points to Understand:
- The term “dynamic affection” refers to disturbances of the vital force—not material or mechanical changes.
- When two similar disease states meet in the organism:
- The stronger one overpowers the weaker.
- The weaker affection is permanently extinguished.
- The organism cannot maintain two similar dynamic disturbances at the same time.
Thus, a carefully selected homeopathic remedy produces an artificial, stronger, similar disease state. This artificial medicinal disease removes the weaker natural disease. Since the medicinal disease is artificial and given in potentized form, it soon fades away, leaving the patient healthy.
Why Is This Law Universal?
Hahnemann emphasized that this is not an imaginary theory. It is:
- Based on observation
- Confirmed through clinical experience
- Verified by repeated trials
Nature’s law is eternal and does not change with time. Because homeopathy is built on this unchanging principle, it claims superiority as a curative system rather than merely a suppressive one.
Illustrative Examples of Nature’s Law (Footnote to §26)
Hahnemann provided simple analogies to explain this law clearly.
1. The Light of Jupiter and the Sun
The planet Jupiter is visible at night. But when sunlight appears, Jupiter’s light becomes invisible.
Why?
Because the stronger similar light of the sun overpowers the weaker light of Jupiter.
This demonstrates how a stronger similar force extinguishes a weaker one.
2. Strong Smell Neutralizing a Weaker Odor
An offensive smell can be neutralized by inhaling snuff.
- The stronger smell acts on the same sensory pathway.
- Sweet taste or music cannot remove the odor because they are not similar.
Similarity is essential.
3. Louder Sound Suppressing a Softer One
The faint cry of a wounded soldier may be drowned out by the loud beating of drums.
The stronger similar sensory impression suppresses the weaker one.
4. Emotional Example
A person grieving over a minor loss may completely forget it when faced with a much greater sorrow.
The stronger emotional disturbance overshadows the weaker one.
This resembles what Hahnemann refers to in the footnote to §17 as a moral remedy.
5. Coffee Relieving Excessive Joy
The injurious effects of overwhelming joy can be moderated by coffee, which produces a similar mental stimulation.
Again, the principle of similarity applies.
Accidental Homeopathic Cures in Medical History
Several physicians unknowingly observed cures based on the law of similars.
Smallpox Curing Other Diseases
Some physicians noticed that smallpox cured conditions like:
- Amaurosis (partial blindness)
- Testicular swelling
- Dysentery
This happened because smallpox could produce similar symptoms in the organism. A stronger similar disease extinguished the weaker one.
Cowpox and Paralysis
Physicians such as Hardenze and Hunter reported cases where intermittent fever and partial paralysis improved after cowpox infection.
The similarity in symptom patterns explains the cure.
Measles Preventing Whooping Cough
Bosquillions observed that measles prevented epidemic whooping cough.
The stronger similar disease prevented the weaker one due to partial similarity.
Measles Curing Skin Eruptions
Physician Kortum noted that chronic skin eruptions were permanently cured after an attack of measles.
Since measles prominently produces eruptions, it acted as a stronger similar disease.
How Homeopathy Applies This Law Scientifically
Unlike accidental natural cures, homeopathy applies this principle deliberately:
- Drugs are proved on healthy individuals.
- Their symptom pictures are carefully recorded.
- The remedy that most closely matches the patient’s totality of symptoms is selected.
- It is given in potentized (dynamic) form.
- The stronger similar medicinal disease removes the weaker natural disease.
As stated in §27 of the Organon, only medicines capable of producing similar but stronger symptoms can cure rapidly, gently, and permanently.
The Natural Law of Cure is not a speculative doctrine but a universal dynamic principle observed in nature. Ancient physicians recognized it, but it was Hahnemann who systematized and applied it scientifically through homeopathy.
In essence:
- Disease is a dynamic disturbance.
- A stronger similar dynamic influence removes it.
- The artificial medicinal disturbance fades away.
- Health is restored.
Thus, the law of similars stands as the foundation of homeopathy and the guiding principle behind true cure.