Proving
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[edit] Definition
In homeopathy, proving a substance refers to the practice of finding out what adverse symptoms are produced when it is administered in large quantities. According to homeopathic doctrine, the same substance should cure the same symptoms when administered in small, highly dilute quantities.
[edit] Example
- Stanton Drew Stone circle is about six miles south of Bristol ... This proving was made from small fragments of stone from 3 of the great circle stones and was potentised and produced at Ainsworths Homeopathic Pharmacy by Jon Lee ...
- This remedy affected the provers to a big degree, they were tired with low energy, heavy, the opposite of light-headed and energised. (Mary English, The Homeopathic Proving of Stanton Drew Stone Circle [1])
[edit] Discussion
There seems to be no reason in theory why this principle should work. This is not an insurmountable objection: practice often outstrips theory. The main objection to it is practical: if it was true, then homeopathic medicine would work, and it doesn't: see the article on homeopathy for more details.
