Preface – Leaders In Homoeopathic Therapeutics by E. B. NASH

Leaders In Homoeopathic Therapeutics

by E. B. NASH
Presented by

Preface

     FOR offering this book to the profession, I
have no apology to make, for I claim my right to do so; and if anyone finds imperfections in
it, remember I lay no claim to perfection. I can offer severe criticism myself.

     I will, however, state in brief my object in
writing as I have:

     FIRST.-

To fasten upon the mind of
the reader the strongest points in each remedy. Good off-hand prescribing can be done in
simple uncomplicated cases if we have fixed in our minds, for ready use, the characteristic symptoms.

     The elder Lippe was remarkable for such
ability.

     SECOND.-

To try to discourage the
disposition to quarrel over Symptomatology and Pathology. Neither can be ruled out, and it is
foolish for our school to divide on such a bone of contention. Every symptom has its
pathological significance, but we cannot always give it in words; but the fact that it has such meaning is sufficient reason for prescribing on the Symptom or Symptoms without
insisting on, or trying to give, the explanation.

     THIRD.-

To insist on the fact that
the question of dose is still an open one, and so I have taken pains to give the dose I have
found best, not insisting that anyone is bound to give the same; but it is fair to say that if
they use a different one and fail, they must blame themselves, not me.

     FOURTH.-

To condemn the abuse of
drugs, both in the old school and ours.

     If there is any one point in the Homoeopathic
system of Therapeutics that recommends it before that of the old school, it is that we have
discovered a law by which we are able to apply remedies for the curing of the sick without
entailing upon them drug effects, often more serious than the original disease.

     No honest man of either school ought to
object to such an improvement in the science of therapeutics.

     FIFTH.-

I have hoped to so write as
to induce any old school physician, who could overcome prejudice so far as to read any or all
of this book, to experiment along the lines I have indicated, believing that any such
physician of sound head and honest heart, will be irresistibly led to give Homoeopathy a
large, and perhaps finally, the largest place in his confidence and practice.

     Finally to express, after nearly forty years
of conscientious experimentation, my firm and confirmed belief in the Simillimum, the single
remedy and the minimum dose.

     Thanking the profession in general for their
help to me, I reciprocate by offering my humble contribution to an already valuable
homoeopathic literature.

E. B. NASH.

Cortland, N. Y., November 5, 1898.

PREFACE TO SECOND EDITION

     The call for a Second Edition of this work,
and in so short time after its first appearance, is, indeed, very gratifying to me, and I have
endeavored to make it even more acceptable than at first by valuable additions in the way of
new remedies, and further comparisons. I have tried to avoid increasing the size of the work
at the expense of its reliability, which is an error into which many authors have fallen.

     This is an age of speculation, and
“fads” of all kinds are in order, but disappointment and failure is the sure
outcome. I believe in the Homoeopathy taught by Hahnemann, and that is what I purpose to
proclaim.

     Thanking my colleagues for their appreciation
of the first edition, as evidenced by the many letters received and the rapid sale of the
same, I offer the second with increasing confidence and gratitude.

E. B. NASH

Cortland, N. Y., July, 1900.

PREFACE TO THIRD EDITION

     NOT much by way of preface need be said for
this third edition of “LEADERS.” The demand for it is evidence that the work has,
among other popular works, taken its place to stay. That this is very gratifying to the author
is quite reasonable to suppose, because of the appreciation of his efforts by his professional
brethren.

E. B. NASH.

Cortland, N. Y., June, 1907.

PREFACE TO FOURTH EDITION

     The call for the Fourth Edition of this work
is cause for increased gratification to the author.

     In addition I have received congratulatory
letters from many physicians in different countries and languages. To my professional
brethren, who have so kindly received the fruit of my efforts, I return sincere thanks.

     I have tried in this edition to improve it by
prefixing to each remedy a few of the leading symptoms, the text of the former editions
following as a commentary with comparisons. It is hoped by this double arrangement to impress
the remedies more firmly in the mind for practical off-hand prescribing.

     I anticipate the charge that this is
repetition, and answer, that it is only by repetition oft repeated, that the average mind can
retain for ready use the salient points in our vast Materia Medica.

     I do not believe that this arrangement will
lessen the usefulness of “Regional Leaders,” which contains over two thousand
characteristics in self-quiz style, which is very popular with students. To my good wife, who
has done the clerical work under my dictation, is due much praise. This on account of my
blindness. As I draw near the end of my earthly career I hope to leave an influence for good
that will live many years.

     May the spirit of pure Homoeopathy formulated
in the words, “Similia Similibus Curantur,” by the Master, possess all those who
believe this to be the only law of truly scientific medical therapeutics.

Dr. E. B. NASH.

Cortland, N. Y., July, 1913.