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NS4: Science and
Nonsense
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The Links:
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Get the Straight Dope on homeopathy, Cecil Adams' concise column on this topic. Survey of scientific studies of homeopathy compiled by the American Council on Science and Health. A quick read of the findings in the peer reviewed literature. Here's a very supportive web site
by practicing homeopath Dana Ullman, M.P.H. Mr. Ullman
recently made claims at a popular blog spot- do they hold water? See the
comments for both support and criticism. Does Mr. Ullman
respond convincingly to the criticism? Huffington Post: Homeopathy
for Allergies A leading British critic looks at
recent large studies. Dr.
Ben Goldacre Of course I recommend the Skeptic's Dictionary entry on homeopathy. Finally, an article by Stephen Barrett, M.D., Dr. Barrett feels homeopathy is quackery at its worst.
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Related/Background Topics: |
Dilution: How can Homeopathic remedies work if there isn't even one molecule of the "similar" substance in the pill? Dr. Stephen Barrett describes the meaning for the numbering system on the labels such as 100X and 30C. See Robert Park's article for how the dilution process works and the implications to modern chemistry. Vitalism: the doctrine that an invisible, intangible, unique form of energy is responsible for all the activities of living organisms. Most of alternative medicine's methods and theories are vitalistic, which is to say metaphysical, in that vitalism is supernatural, and not something that science can test or refute or confirm. The lure of vitalism lies in its compatibility with humankind's longing for immortality. Vitalism has both supernaturalistic and mystical forms. For example, as the soul, the "vital force" appears supernaturalistic; as chi (a concept central to nearly all forms of acupuncture) or prana (the force of the postulated Therapeutic Touch human energy field) is a mystical representation.
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