Organon Aphorisms 11–20 Explained in Simple Language (BHMS Notes)
Introduction
In the Organon of Medicine, Dr. Samuel Hahnemann explains the fundamental principles of homeopathy.
Aphorisms 11–20 are extremely important because they describe the concept of disease, the role of the vital force, the nature of symptoms, and the basic duty of the physician.
For BHMS students, these aphorisms are frequently asked in theory exams and viva.
This article explains Aphorisms 11 to 20 in simple, exam-oriented language.
Aphorism 11 – Disease Is a Dynamic Disturbance
Hahnemann states that disease is not a material or structural entity.
It is a dynamic disturbance of the vital force that animates the living organism.
Disease cannot be seen directly.
What we observe are changes in sensations and functions.
The vital force is disturbed first, and symptoms appear later.
Key idea:
Disease exists as a functional imbalance, not as a physical object.
Aphorism 12 – The Role of the Vital Force
According to Hahnemann, when the vital force is disturbed, the body produces abnormal sensations and actions.
The vital force governs the entire organism.
When it is deranged, the body expresses illness through symptoms.
Without the vital force, no disease manifestation is possible.
Exam point:
Symptoms are expressions of disturbed vital force.
Aphorism 13 – Symptoms Are the Only Expression of Disease
Hahnemann emphasizes that symptoms are the only means by which disease can express itself.
Disease cannot be detected without symptoms.
There is no hidden disease behind symptoms.
Symptoms represent the total disturbance of the organism.
Important concept:
There is no separation between disease and symptoms.
Aphorism 14 – The Physician Can Know Disease Only Through Symptoms
The physician cannot perceive disease directly.
Disease can be understood only through the totality of symptoms.
There is no other way to know disease.
Laboratory findings do not replace symptoms (academic concept).
The physician must carefully observe and collect symptoms.
Exam line:
“Symptoms are the outwardly reflected picture of the inner disease.”
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Aphorism 15 – Totality of Symptoms Is the Only Indication
Hahnemann states that the totality of symptoms is the only indication for treatment (academic principle).
No single symptom represents the whole disease.
All symptoms together form the disease picture.
The most peculiar, characteristic, and individual symptoms are important.
Key phrase for exams:
“Totality of symptoms is the sole guide.”
Aphorism 16 – No Hidden Disease Beyond Symptoms
This aphorism clarifies a common misconception.
There is no unknown or hidden disease separate from symptoms.
Disease is fully expressed through symptoms.
Searching for an imaginary disease entity is meaningless.
Simple explanation:
What we see as symptoms is the disease.
Aphorism 17 – Physician’s Duty: To Remove Disease
Hahnemann defines the physician’s role.
The physician’s duty is to restore health.
This is done by removing the disease.
Disease removal means removal of symptoms.
Exam-friendly statement:
“Cure means the disappearance of symptoms.”
Aphorism 18 – Disease Removal Equals Health Restoration
When disease is removed:
Vital force returns to balance.
Normal sensations and functions are restored.
Health is re-established.
There is no separate act of “restoring health”;
removing disease automatically restores health.
Aphorism 19 – Knowledge Required for Cure
To remove disease, the physician must know:
What is to be cured → disease (symptoms)
What cures → medicinal powers
How to apply remedies → principles of healing
This aphorism connects Organon philosophy with Materia Medica.
Aphorism 20 – Medicinal Power Acts on the Vital Force
Hahnemann explains that medicines act dynamically, not materially.
Medicines influence the vital force.
Cure occurs by altering the disturbed vital force.
Medicines do not act mechanically or chemically (philosophical concept).
Important exam concept:
Dynamic action of medicines.
Summary of Aphorisms 11–20
| Aphorism | Core Idea |
|---|---|
| 11 | Disease is dynamic |
| 12 | Vital force governs health |
| 13 | Symptoms express disease |
| 14 | Disease known only by symptoms |
| 15 | Totality of symptoms guides |
| 16 | No hidden disease |
| 17 | Physician’s duty is cure |
| 18 | Removal of disease restores health |
| 19 | Knowledge required for cure |
| 20 | Medicine acts dynamically |
Important Viva Questions
What is meant by dynamic disease?
Explain the role of vital force in disease.
What is totality of symptoms?
How does Hahnemann define cure?
How do medicines act according to Aphorism 20?
Conclusion
Aphorisms 11–20 form the philosophical foundation of homeopathy. They explain that disease is a dynamic disturbance, expressed only through symptoms, and that cure occurs by influencing the vital force through suitable medicines.
For BHMS students, understanding these aphorisms in a logical and simple way is essential for theory exams, viva, and clinical reasoning.
