- Hahnemann was inspired by:
- Novum Organum (1620) by Lord Bacon
- Organon by Aristotle
- Organon means “a tool for scientific investigation” or “instrument of knowledge.”
1st Edition (1810)
Basic Information
- Year: 1810
- Place: Torgau
- Title: Organon der Rationellen Heilkunde (Organon of Rational Healing Art)
Cover
Contained a four-line stanza by German poet Gellert:
“The truth we mortals need
To bless us make and keep
The All Wise Mighty covered over
But did not bury deep.”
Aphorisms
- 271 aphorisms
- Footnotes placed at the end of each aphorism
- Footnotes not numbered
Important Novelties
- Introduction included examples of unintentional homoeopathic cures
- Full statement of the homoeopathic law:
- Similia Similibus Curentur
- Based on Medicine of Experience (1805), which was written as essays; Organon introduced the aphorism format.
2nd Edition (1819)
Basic Information
- Year: 1819
- Place: Leipzig (Leipsic)
- Title changed to: Organon der Heilkunst (Organon of Medicine)
Cover
- Gellert’s stanza replaced by AUDE SAPERE
- Meaning: Dare to be Wise
Aphorisms
- 315 aphorisms
- Last aphorism numbered 318
- Numbers 216, 217, and 218 were accidentally omitted.
- Footnotes shifted to the bottom of the page
- Footnotes marked by (*) and (+)
Important Novelties
- Title changed.
- AUDE SAPERE introduced.
- Footnotes placed at the bottom of pages.
3rd Edition (1824)
Basic Information
- Year: Easter 1824
- Place: Köthen
- Title: Organon der Heilkunst
Aphorisms
- 319 aphorisms
- Last aphorism numbered 320
- New aphorisms:
- 319
- 320
- New additions:
- 108b
- 167b
- Footnotes numbered.
Important Novelties
- Numbered footnotes.
- Added Aphorisms 319 & 320 on Mesmerism.
4th Edition (1829)
Basic Information
- Year: January 1829
- Place: Köthen
Introduction
Divided into two parts:
Part I
- Defects of Allopathic medicine
Part II
- Examples of homoeopathic cures unintentionally performed by allopathic physicians
Aphorisms
- 292 aphorisms
Important Novelties
- Theory of Chronic Miasms introduced.
- Introduction divided into two sections.
5th Edition (1833)
Basic Information
- Year: 1833
- Place: Köthen
- Published by Arnold (Dresden & Leipzig)
Aphorisms
- 294 aphorisms
Important Novelties
- Doctrine of Vital Force introduced.
- Scientific method of Drug Dynamization explained.
- Centesimal (C) scale of potentization introduced.
English Translations
- R. E. Dudgeon (1849)
- Wesselhoeft (1876)
- B. Fincke (1889)
Note: Dudgeon’s translation became the standard textbook worldwide despite containing a few errors.
6th Edition (1921)
Basic Information
- Published: 1921
- Manuscript completed in 1842
- Written while Hahnemann was in Paris
- Hahnemann died in 1843 before publication.
Aphorisms
- 291 aphorisms
Important Novelties
- Introduction of 50 Millesimal (LM/Q) Potency Scale
- New rules for repetition of doses
- Vital Force replaced by Vital Principle
English Translations
- William Boericke (1921)
- Steven Decker (1996)
Major Changes in the 6th Edition
Aphorism 11
- Detailed explanation of Dynamic Influence (Dynamis).
Aphorisms 22 & 29
- Final views on the Life Principle replacing the term Vital Force.
Aphorisms 52–56
- Completely rewritten.
Aphorisms 60–74
- Long explanatory footnotes added.
Aphorism 148
- New aphorism denying Materia Peccans as the primary cause of disease.
Aphorisms 246–248
- Major revision in dosage.
- Recommended repetition of doses in different potencies, especially in chronic diseases.
Aphorisms 269–272
- Latest directions for preparation of homoeopathic medicines.
Aphorism 273
- Advocated single remedy only.
- Rejected the use of double remedies.
Aphorism 282 (Footnote)
- New approach for treatment of:
- Psora
- Sycosis
- Syphilis
- Recommended:
- Larger initial doses
- Frequent repetition when necessary
- Gradual increase in dynamization
- Local treatment of figwarts along with internal medicine.
Boericke’s Opinion
William Boericke described the 6th Edition of Organon as:
“The high watermark of medical philosophy.”
He believed it provides practical guidance through the Law of Cure and leads physicians toward a new era in therapeutics.
Quick Revision Table
| Edition | Year | Aphorisms | Major Contributions |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 1810 | 271 | Similia Similibus Curentur, Aphorism format |
| 2nd | 1819 | 315 | AUDE SAPERE, Title changed, Bottom footnotes |
| 3rd | 1824 | 319 | Mesmerism (Aph. 319–320), Numbered footnotes |
| 4th | 1829 | 292 | Chronic Miasm Theory, Introduction divided |
| 5th | 1833 | 294 | Vital Force, Drug Dynamization, Centesimal Potency |
| 6th | 1921 | 291 | LM (50 Millesimal) Potency, Vital Principle, Repetition of doses |
Most Important Viva Questions
- What inspired Hahnemann to write the Organon?
- What is the meaning of Organon?
- Which edition introduced AUDE SAPERE?
- Which edition introduced the Theory of Chronic Miasms?
- Which edition introduced the Doctrine of Vital Force?
- Which edition introduced the LM (50 Millesimal) scale?
- Who translated the 6th Edition into English?
- In which edition was Vital Force replaced by Vital Principle?
- Which edition introduced Mesmerism?
- Which edition first explained Drug Dynamization?