This book review is reprinted with the permission of the American Institute of Homeopathy
Theory of High Dilutions: Application to Life
Rolland R. Conte, Henri Berliocchi, Yves Lasne Polytechnica
Reviewed by Jay Yasgur, R.Ph., M.Sc.
Following on the heels of their Theoty of High Dilutions and Experimental Aspects (I 996), Conte, Berliocchi, and Lasne have written another thought-provoking sockdolager: Theory of High Dilutions: Application to Life (2000).
This small but intense book contains six chapters, some 60 illustrations and graphs (in full color), a small glossary, smaller index, and unfortunately, no bibliography. It is difficult, mathematical, and philosophical like its predecessor and is, thus, no relaxing bedtime read, unless taken in small, thoughtful doses, Nevertheless, it does not fail to reward the reader with many enlightening nuggets. Just as your eyes begin to droop, you read a passage which acts upon the brain like chocolate-covered expresso beans. Ah.... the eyes widen, the mind races, and a warm feeling takes over; connections have been made.
"According to Hippocrates [and many others], man is a microcosm reflecting the macrocosm. Nowadays, we know that any matter, and thus our body, is made of atoms. The atom being itself made of elementary particles: electrons (known for the longest time), protons, neutrons...
"We, who put forward the materialization of free electrons in homeopathic preparations as well as in living organisms, showed the connection between vital force and these electrons. Therefore the distortions of the Space-Time due to the movements of planets will have an effect on the chemical and physical properties of molecules in which these free electrons will take place. Homeopathy belongs to the field of quantum physics, and not to the field of chemistry." p. 45.
To continue this thought . ..... the infinitesimal dilutions [are] a discontinuity in the 'spatio-temporal continuum' ...Such a definition also clears up what was considered as the 'mystery'of these infinitesimal dilutions ... Like General Relativity that got rid of absolute time, Homeopathy, (the Product and its inter-action with the Patient), belongs to the field of quantum physics and not to the field of chemistry".
As in their previous book, the authors explicate this philosophically, mathematically and experimentally. The authors show in succussion and relaxation-time experiments with dilutions of Acidum nitricum (Fig. 2-2, p.21-23):
" [that] ... a discontinuity between the 8th and the 15th solutions corresponding to the limitation by the Avogadro-Ampere number, indeed beyond the 12CH solution only Hyperparticles are transferred from one dilution to the next. The succussion appears as an amplifier of the phenomenon in the way that it multiplies the meetings between the fields and the molecules of the diluent.
"At each stage of succussion, the dynamic of the solution is modified and this is well measured." p. 23. In Chapter 3, "Gravitation," the authors remind us that this force, which made such an impression on Newton, needs to be factored into experimental models, perhaps in all areas scientific:
"Our position according to the spatio-temporal components of the field of gravitation will lead to rhythms whose substratum does not relate to any internal clock, but definitvely to the impact of gravitons. ...it is necessary to relate biological phenomena to the different components of gravitation." p. 75.
"It [gravity] shows the lack of symmetry between winter and summer. This type of figure, called 'analemma' (refer to glossary) can also be found on ancient buildings, for example in Malta (front of the General Treasurer building). This particular solar quadrant allows one to know the month of the year and not, as it is the case with almost every solar quadrants, the time in the day." p. 50.
In "Measuring the Observable," Chapter 4, the authors propose the use of liquid scintillation measurements (Beta spectrum analysis) to show energetic differences in various dilutions of Chlamydia trachomatis.
The authors use this analytical tool to "map" the typologies of Vannier!
"Thus the strength of multiple discriminatory analysis applied to spectra obtaired from urine from different individuals classified according to their anthropomorphological typology (type), allowed us to bring together the same typologies and to distinguish them from each other." p. 65.
"...simple Beta counting performed on urine and serums show that there are three typologies that can be described according to the intensity of measurements: stout (not obese) people with high counting, skinny people with very low counting, and average size people also with average counting.
"The Figure 5-1 shows a serial of spectra of urine of men and women of different constitutions. We note, for instance, the qualitative variations between a phosphoric and a carbonic constitution. The phosphoric woman does not show emissions of high energy value.
"On the contrary, in case of pathology, the sole counting is not enough. To distinguish the constitutions, you have to watch the interaction of gravitation or perform spectrometrics. In fact, the realization of spectra allows acomplementary characterization much more qualitative, and hence, an increased specification. In addition, variations of energy will bring physiopathological understanding.
"We noted for example that the counting of an obese person can be compared to the counting of a cancerous patient in terminal phase; but, the evolution of these countings is very different according to gravitation.
"In conclusion, we can assert that it is already possible to pair classical types described with quantic measurements: carbonic or hydrogenoid, phosphoric or oxyygenoid, fluoric or luesic and that differential dependences upon gravitation must lead to the observation of pathologies also differential according to the type, the season, and even the moment of the day." p. 70, 1.
Later, in Chapter 5, "Application to the Living," the authors, make further typological observations, suggest the 'efficiency of products according to succussion energy and gravitation', make several interesting conjectures on the cancer phenomenon, offer a cursory review of the effect homeopathic solutions have on the germination and growth of plants and suggests that:
"...[the] food limitation recommended by Hahnemann during the treatment is justified because it modifies and decreases the size of White Holes, making the therapeutic signal more 'obvious.'
"We see here the introduction in homeopathy of substances called 'weighable,' according to their preparation process. They can, according to their preparation, be already succussed and have therapeutic virtues, and thus, be included in our model. White Holes such as the ones you can find in cold-pressed olive oil represent the appropriate frequency for avoiding cardiovascular disease. Results will depend upon the number of collected and measured data." p. 79.
This varied chapter does not fail to hold one's attention and to prevent yours from wavering ... :
"[ The Beta spectra] can be used as a tool to select and optimize homeopathic products, select dilution levels and determine the required dosage so that the subject comes back to a healthy condition.
"Although waters of varied origins can be chemically identical (inside the limitations of chemical analysis), they can have different Beta spectra. Consequently, it is important, when using water to make homeopathic dilution, to know what water is being used." p. 85.
In the final chapter, "Reductionist Approach," Conte, et. al., focus on interactions with DNA, the cell, the organs and finally the organism. Every page contains a colored graph and several 3-D representations. The effect which gravitation has on the developing fetus is discussed and Fig. 6-13 charts the circadian modalities of a number of homeopathic remedies.
"The Nei Jing, the main reference book in Chinese medicine, is always mentioning the influence of the various time cycles: yearly cycle, monthly cycle and daily cycle. These modalities are fascinating to study as they influence the patient's behavior. Ho meopaths have objectivized by clinical experimentation this response of our bodies to the great cosmic rhythms. To quote Leon Vannier, 'Why should we not take these hourly aggravations into account in order to characterize and individualize the medicine?'
"...Therefore Arsenicum is aggravating from midnight to 3 a.m., the hour of the gall-bladder, which, if it is not functioning well, can cause an engorgement of the liver, which can result in asthma or anxiety attacks. From 2 to 3 a.m., Kali carbonicum triggers asthmatic dyspnea, in which case the liver is involved, and the lung is not too far behind.
"Lycopodium, an important polychrest with a hepatorenal tropism, displays an aggravation rhythm towards the end of the afternoon, from 5 to 9 p.m., which coincides with renal energy. Lycopodium would therefore act better upon the kidney than upon the liver. Max Tetau adds 'clinical reality would lead to such a conclusion."' p. 104,5
This is an engaging volume, never failing to impress the reader with esoteric concepts and propositions. Though you may, for whatever reason, look askance at their methods or their conclusions, you can't help but find the ideas stimulating.
As in their first work, this volume is well pro duced, easily read (typography) and well translated. The graphs and diagrams are beautiful.
I will end with the following quote from page 103 which is not referenced:
"As D'Arcy Thompson wrote: '...morphology is not just the study of material things in their various shapes; it also includes a dynamic aspect which confronts us with an interpretation of the effects of energy in terms of force. ...Matter essentially produces nothing, changes nothing, does nothing. No matter how tempting it might be with hindsight to shorten our nomenclature and our description, we must never lose sight of the fact that the spermatozoon, the nucleus, the chromosomes or the germinal plasma never act as materials, but only as the seat of energy and the centre of force. And this is only an adaptation of an ancient philosophical thought: it is nature which rules over matter."'
JAIH Spring 2001, Vol. 94, No. 1