Organon of Medicine – Aphorisms 1 to 10 Explained (BHMS Notes)
Introduction
Aphorisms 1–10 of Hahnemann’s Organon of Medicine lay the foundation of homeopathic philosophy. These verses explain the purpose of the physician, the nature of disease, the concept of cure, and the basic principles of observation.
Every BHMS student must understand these aphorisms clearly, as they form the core of classical homeopathic thinking.
Below is a simplified, exam-oriented explanation of each aphorism.
Aphorism 1 – “The physician’s highest and only mission is to restore the sick to health.”
Meaning
Hahnemann states the primary duty of a physician:
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To restore health
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In the quickest, most gentle, and permanent way
The physician must focus only on the recovery of the patient, not theoretical diversions or unnecessary interventions.
Key Points for Students
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Highest mission = cure
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Only mission = nothing else should distract the physician
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Cure must be gentle, rapid, and lasting
Aphorism 2 – “The highest ideal of cure is rapid, gentle, and permanent restoration of health.”
Meaning
A perfect cure should:
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Act quickly
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Not cause unnecessary suffering
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Maintain health for a long time
Why It Matters
This aphorism defines what “ideal cure” means in homeopathic philosophy.
Aphorism 3 – Conditions necessary for a physician
The physician must know:
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What is to be cured → Understanding disease
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What is curative in medicines → Materia medica knowledge
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How to apply medicines according to similarity
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How to prepare medicines → Pharmacy knowledge
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The boundaries of his art → When not to intervene
Meaning
A physician must be knowledgeable, observant, and skilled in applying principles correctly.
Aphorism 4 – The physician must be an unprejudiced observer
Meaning
Treatment must be based on facts and patient observation, not on assumptions or personal bias.
Unprejudiced means:
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Observe carefully
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Record accurately
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Do not jump to conclusions
Aphorism 5 – Consideration of exciting and maintaining causes
Meaning
To understand a disease fully, the physician must identify:
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Exciting cause → What triggered the illness
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Maintaining cause → What is still keeping the patient sick (e.g., lifestyle, habits)
A curative plan must address these factors.
Aphorism 6 – Totality of Symptoms
Meaning
The totality of symptoms is the only basis for selecting a medicine.
Hahnemann emphasizes observing:
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Physical symptoms
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Mental state
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Emotional expressions
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Modalities (better/worse factors)
Totality = complete picture of the disease.
Aphorism 7 – No disease without symptoms
Meaning
Disease is not a hidden entity. It expresses itself through symptoms, which are visible signs of internal disturbance.
The physician must study symptoms to understand the condition.
Aphorism 8 – Symptoms represent the internal disorder
Meaning
Symptoms are outward expressions of inner imbalance.
They are not random—they represent the disturbance of the vital force.
Aphorism 9 – Vital Force maintains the body
Meaning
Hahnemann introduces the concept of the vital force:
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It maintains harmony
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It governs life functions
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Disease = disturbance of this vital energy
When the vital force is deranged, symptoms appear.
Aphorism 10 – Disease is a dynamic disturbance
Meaning
Disease is not a material thing.
It is a dynamic alteration of the vital force.
Hence, cure must also act dynamically—through medicines that influence vital force.
Summary Table for Quick Revision
| Aphorism | Main Idea |
|---|---|
| 1 | Highest mission = cure |
| 2 | Ideal cure = rapid, gentle, permanent |
| 3 | Physician must know disease, remedy, and application |
| 4 | Physician must be unprejudiced observer |
| 5 | Identify exciting & maintaining causes |
| 6 | Totality of symptoms = basis of treatment |
| 7 | No disease without symptoms |
| 8 | Symptoms mirror internal disorder |
| 9 | Vital force maintains life |
| 10 | Disease = dynamic disturbance of vital force |
Conclusion
Aphorisms 1–10 form the philosophical base of homeopathy.
They define:
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What the physician should do
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How diseases should be understood
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How cure should be approached
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The role of the vital force
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The importance of symptoms
These aphorisms are essential for exam writing, viva, and conceptual clarity.
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