by Margaret Graham

We have posted new digital material reflecting the early history of homeopathic medicine in the United States, The Correspondenzblatt der Homoeopatischen Aerzte (Correspondence Paper of Homeopathic Physicians).

As noted in a previous post, the Correspondenzblatt is from the Hahnemann Collection. Published in 1836, it was the first homeopathic journal published in the United States, created by and for homeopathic practitioners who submitted case notes, observations, and questions about their patients. Constantine Hering (pictured), one of the founders of the Academy and considered to be the “father of American Homeopathy”, served as the journal’s editor.

The issues are short but dense, and packed with detailed case studies on ailments being treated homeopathically. In aggregate, they illustrate the holistic approach used by homeopaths in treating minor and major illnesses, from toothaches to measles. More than a few of the case studies detail the use of homeopathy to treat animals, including pigs, horses and cows. Some descriptions are graphic and should be avoided by the faint of heart.

The original publication is mostly in German with a few entries in English. We’ve had the entire run translated to English which we’ll post along with the digital facsimiles of the paper.