The Homoeopathic Proving of Hydrogen.
Author: Jeremy Sherr. RS Hom, FS Hom
Publisher: J Sherr
C / o The Society of Homoeopaths,
2, Artizan Road, Northampton, NNI
4HU England.
Pages 168. Price; Not mentioned.
Edition: First 1992.

Flush with the experience of proving Scorpion, Jeremy Sherr conceived the idea of proving Hydrogen, while investigating the periodic table and its homoeopathic relationship. During his investigation into the elements of the Periodic Table, what struck Jeremy was that the more primary the element is, the more antipsoric and deep acting it appeared to be. As we ascend up the periodic table, we find an increasing number of deep acting, antipsoric remedies such as Calcarea, Sulphur, Alumina Silica and Phosphorus. Since it is impossible to prove the full plant or animal kingdom, it was decided to start at the beginning with Hydrogen, the first element, mother of all substances, the most simple manifestations of matter. From conception to the publication of the proving, it took nearly four years and during this period, he often wondered whether he had a right to undertake such a profound task. But once the proving began, he had to finish it, and Jeremy says that he is pleased to present the results to the profession, so that they may take it further, use it and develop it.

Jeremy double blinded his provers as well as himself, since he proved Chocolate simultaneously. Hence none could know who received what substance. From these provings, he learnt that good supervision is the key to good proving. It was interesting to note how immediate the effect of a dose was sometimes within one second; also that detectable physical symptoms often appeared before detectable mental symptoms. Further, there seemed to be no definite relationship between the potency and the amount of mental emotional symptoms produced, dispelling another myth. The action of the remedy seemed to increase gradually over the first few weeks, lasting in some cases to well over a year. A majority of the provers benefited from the proving experience, a minority felt worse, as of course suffering is a component of any intoxication.

Jeremy adds in his introduction that he is happy to report, that this remedy has been of service to him in several cases during the last year, thus verifying some symptoms clinically. " I pray and hope that it will be of service to the Homoeopathic world. in our mission of restoring the sick to health.

At this point I am reminded of how Hempel had fulminated his anathema against Lachesis and others had condemned it. At this stage, Dr. C.W. Boyce of Auburn of NY reported case after case (all serious ones) cured by Lachesis and Hering said that this was the turning point with Lachesis. Whenever Boyce would come to his house, Hering would cry out. "Here comes the man who saved Lachesis". (Life of Hering Pg 249). Imagine, Lachesis would have languished without clinical support !

Similarly, I look forward to Hydrogen being given a fair trial by the profession and its proving to be one our great polycrest in the near future.

The proving results have been presented in the Hahnemannian schema, from mind to generalities followed by repertorial rubrics in the same format, so that they could be easily entered into ones own copy of the repertory. A few observations about the prominent symptoms will be in order.

The provers felt distant and detached. Just as Sodium has relationship problems, being Group I remedy, Hydrogen too has problems mixing with people.

On getting up in the morning, one prover felt very angry that he could not cope up with the pressures. The curative action was of calmness. Another prover experienced a sensation that he is very dangerous and that others could not cope with him. So I think Hydrogen has definitely some relation with coping.

Some Other Symptoms:
Suspicious. Felt cut off from people; Concentration difficult; at work while reading, during exams. Aversion to company, to sex.
Delusion, insane, that people think her
General level; Desire for sweets, pineapple, spicy food.
Aversion to spicy food and tea.
Dreams- of great confusion, horrible dreams like killing, murders and suicides. Dreams of various colours.

The whole book has been scientifically presented. For each prover all the symptoms he experienced, are identified by code numbers. A close study of the rubrics (in repertory section) gives us a clearer picture of Hydrogen as a marvellous addition to the Materia Medica. The homoeopathic world will be thankful to Jeremy Sherr, for proving this common element of the universe and making it easy to introduce it in our Materia Medica and repertory. We request readers to try it clinically and send us their cases.

This book neatly presents the experience of a well known homoeopath who has many firsts to her credit and who is practising homoeopathy industriously in Bombay since many years.

There are 38 chapters in the book- from "Why homoeopathy?" to "Perfect prescription" with a foreword by Dr. Sarosh Wadia, the grand old man of Homoeopathy. The Book covers a wide range of topics encountered in routine practice. The titles are interesting. The usefulness is enhanced by an index for complaints and remedies.

The book is useful for snap shot prescriptions. It may hold little attraction for those devoted to the Classical approach.