Genre:

Essay, Drollery

Subjects:

Homeopathy, Medical Treatment, Quackery, Methodology, Surgery

    Explains that Mr Punch has received gifts (including some sticking plaster labelled 'Arnica Plaster' and a book 'Arnica and Rhus, with Directions for their Use, in Mechanical Injuries, and in other Affections') from a clergyman 'for the benefit of the Hahnemann Hospital'. These have been sent to Mr Punch 'to enable him to satisfy himself, experimentally, of the truth of homeopathy'. Points out that Mr Punch's constitution is so sound that he does not see how 'Arnica Plaster' can be better than common court-plaster in treating wounds. Points out that Mr Punch is not prepared to take the trouble to conduct a thorough comparison of different plasters, but adds that neither were homeopathic practitioners—who 'pretend to be scientific men' and followers of 'Inductive philosophy', whatever may be thought of the pretence'. Proceeds to consider the book accompanying the plaster. Explains that Mr Punch accepts the claim of homeopathic practitioners that they do profess to be able to treat 'dislocations and fractures', but that he does not think their treatment works for any disease. Draws attention to extracts in the book which appear to show how homeopathic remedies still depend on surgery and are ultimately chimerical.