The Trials of Homeopathy is the first systematic review of all clinical trials of homeopathy, predominantly in Europe and North America, from its beginnings to the present day. Dean shows that homeopathy has a long history of scientifically conducted trials that have not received the recognition they deserve. At a time when the place of homeopathy in a changing health landscape is under discussion, this work provides a valuable historical context. The current debate about the merits of different therapies is informed increasingly by trial evidence. The rediscovery of homeopathy's clinical research tradition is, therefore, of particular importance. In recognition of this valuable work Dean was awarded the first Hans Walz Prize of the Robert Bosch Foundation in October 2003. The aim of this prize is to promote research in the history of homeopathy outside the Robert Bosch Foundation's Institute for the History of Medicine.
â€¢ Part III: Is homeopathy clinically relevant? A systematic review of clinical trials, 1940-98.
To this must be added the lengthy appendices, all contained in the accompÂ­anying CD, and consisting of a wealth of material deselected for inclusion in the main text.
I am quite sure that anyone reading this book will be convinced that homeopathy has not been idle in the pursuance of evidence-based medicine - more importantly, often with positive results. This book is a definite must for anyone involved in the teaching of homeopathy to others or those who are involved in the politics of its establishment within the general medical system, both at under- and postgraduate levels. Beyond that, anyone who has more than a passing interest in the history of this subject will find it a source of great fascination. Amongst other things, it effectively dispels the popular belief that homeopathy is great for minor conditions but useless for major ones. It was, after all, in the field of major illness that it first achieved its quantifiable therapeutic successes. Dean also discounts the alleged relationship of homeopathy with alchemical medicine, with the exception of certain pharmaceutical techniques introduced after 1816.
Although I fancy this book will never come to a second edition (for such are the economics of modern publishing), I can well envisage its future supplementation with further CDs as new developments emerge. All in all, a pivotal and significant work - and, rather surprisingly for one destined for the professional market, a few pounds cheaper than the average BBC cookbook!