The principle of homeopathy was first described in early Greek medical writings, but rediscovered and developed to its present form in the late eighteen hundreds by the German physician and scientist Dr. Samuel Hahnemann. Disillusioned with the harsh medical treatments of his time, which included the use of heavy metals such as mercury as well as extensive bloodletting, he was inspired to conduct the first true pharmacological experiments on healthy human beings to scientifically test the effects of natural substances on the organism.

He was struck by the discovery that these substances produced symptoms in healthy volunteers, which they were known to cure in sick individuals. Furthermore, every substance tested affected the mind and emotions as well as the body. These experiments became known as ‘provings’, which is not an entirely accurate, but close translation of the German word “Pruefung”. The German word means ‘thorough test’, rather than ‘to proof’.

Provings condtinue to be conducted around the world, constantly expanding the number of useful homeopathic remedies. Provings and other information about the remedies are published as ‘Materia Medica’ (medical material or literature). Practitioners of homeopathy now have access to comprehensive homeopathic literature as well as sophisticated computer systems to assist them in the selection of the best remedy, based on the symptoms the remedy produces and the symptoms the patient experiences.