Vol. 23 No. 1 February 2003

by Richard Hughes

Similia similibus curantur translates as Likes are cured (or treated) by likes; similia similibus curentur is Let likes cure (or treat) likes. – Editor

It is not easy to say how the alteration of “curentur” into “curantur” came to be made. Hahnemann used the former in the Organon, from its first edition in 1810 onwards, and again in a letter written in 1835 to the French Minister of Public Instruction – these being the only two places in which the formula is employed by him.

The change occurred in his lifetime, for Mr Everest, his English pupil, stated that he was much annoyed by the substitution of “curantur” – which is not surprising, since this is (as I have said) dubious Latin, as well as a misrepresentation of his intention. He may be said to have condoned it, however; for amongst the articles we found on his body when we exhumed it in 1899, to give it more fitting sepulture, was a gold medal presented to him by the French Homoeopathic Society, which bore the formula in its later form.

That was certainly the current phrase when homoeopathy began to flourish in Britain and was accordingly adopted as its motto by the British Journal of Homoeopathy on its appearance in 1843. In 1862 Dr Ryan, who was a fine classical scholar, took exception to the phrase, and urged a reversion to Hahnemann’s original wording. The then editors of the British Journal opposed the change, but their argument throughout proceeds on the assumption that “curantur” is generally understood to mean “are treated”, whereas there can be no doubt that 999 persons in every 1000 of those who know Latin would render it “are cured”. I was myself convinced by Dr Ryan’s reasoning; and in my Manual of Therapeutics, published in 1869, expressed my preference for “curentur”.

Of late, the “curentur”, having been exposed and defended by the weighty authority of Dr Dudgeon, more attention has been directed to it. The displeasure which has been evinced by the more ardent Hahnemannians at the proposed return to its use may have arisen from the mistranslation I have already adverted to. A doctor has asked, “Why do some of our doctors say curentur? Are they not sure?” His question would have been spared had he understood that the subjunctive is used in its imperative force. The true reading has now, however, been irrevocably affirmed – graven in the rock forever.

The committees which have erected in Hahnemann’s honour the tombstone of Pere Lachaise and the cenotaph which adorns the city of Washington have both been convinced that Similia similibus curentur was what the master wrote, and have inscribed it accordingly upon these memorials of his fame.

– from The Principles and Practice of Homœopathy