Intended for healthcare professionals

Rapid response to:

Papers

Randomised controlled trial of homoeopathy versus placebo in perennial allergic rhinitis with overview of four trial seriesCommentary: Larger trials are needed

BMJ 2000; 321 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.321.7259.471 (Published 19 August 2000) Cite this as: BMJ 2000;321:471

Rapid Response:

Applause for a study well done.

Once again, Dr. Reilly and his colleagues have conducted an
exquisitely designed scientific study into an area which defies scientific
explanation. And while his study does not practice good homeopathy, but
rather isopathy(possibly the reason subjective symptoms did not improve),
it goes far in establishing the power and potential of homeopathic
medicine.

Such studies make many nervous, since the mechanisms of action can
not be well understood by current biological standards. Positive findings
for such "unexplained phenomenon" utilizing state of the art scientific
method establishes a quandry: Either trust the scientific paradigm and the
results of studies which use it, or reject such studies that do not make
sense theoretically and at the same time reject all other findings from
such studies and indeed the scientific method itself!

Competing interests: No competing interests

19 August 2000
James Spira
Head, Division of Health Psychology
US Navy Medical Center