Potentilla proving

Volume86, January1997 Children's coughs---which medicine LIA BELLO Lia Bello, a nurse practising in New Mexico differentiates between some common cough medicines. One interesting application is the suggestion that Aconite, Spongia and Hepar sulph can be used for the treatment of croup. Bello calls the regime 'the croup triad'. Such stalwarts as Antim tart, Bryonia, Drosera, Ipecacuanha, Phosphorus and Pulsatilla are also mentioned, as is the use of herbal tinctures (Echinacea and Hydrastis). Children's coughs. Homeopathy Today 1996; 16: 10-3. Animal magic! G. LANGMAN The issue, devoted to veterinary homoeopathy, contains a very useful little article by Dr Langrnan summarizing the rubrics relating man to animals. Various groups of animal lovers and phobics are described, with Vithoulkas's love of animals being the only positive rubric quoted. The absence of Carcinosin from the French pharmacopoeia is lamented, as the nosode is therefore little known in France. The author takes the opportunity to offer a brief tour of the materia medica on this important medicine. Many authors describe fear of cats, insects, dogs, snakes and other venomous beasts as well as the more generic fear of animals. A final mention of the unusual Abelmoschus hibiscus which according to Julian covers all these phobias is interesting. L'Hom~opathie Europe~ne 1995; 4: 12-4. Homoeopathy in the wild JEFF LEDERMAN This fascinating case study reports on the use of homoeopathy to treat an injured red-tailed hawk with Aconite and Arnica. Following surgery to pin the fracture Symphytum 30c and Cale phos 6x were given. 6 weeks later the external splint was removed; more Arnica to complement a sedative and a mixture of Hypericum and Calendula to clean the site. The bird made a magnificent recovery. A red-tailed hawk. Homeopathy Today 1996; 16: 26-7.

Gem stones and electronic medicine JON WHALE Gem therapy is commonly used in India and Tibet. The stones are considered to emit

37 concentrated rays of strong pure colour. For example ruby emits hot rays and is used to deal with problems like varicose veins, ulcers or anaemia. It may seem that gem therapy and homoeopathy are widely different therapies. However, it is suggested that gem stones can influence the vibrational rate of cells rather similar to homoeopathic medicines. The author also describes electronic gemstone therapy. An introduction to electronic gem therapy and electronic medicine. Holistic Health May 1996; 49: 13-5.

Coffee--the debate continues GISELA KING The paper is reprinted from a 1994 publication. Some homoeopaths strictly forbid any consumption of coffee during h o m o e o p a t h i c treatment whereas others take the position that coffee and tea have no effect whatsoever on the success or failure of the treatment. King reviews the current evidence on the subject and concludes that 'the matter of drug r e l a t i o n s h i p s in h o m o e o p a t h y m u s t be regarded as a largely unsolvable question'. An interesting contribution with some useful references--but unfortunately one that leaves us no further forward. Drug relationships in homeopathy, part 2. Biological Therapy 1996; 14: 175-8.

Potentilla proving DAVID RILEY Dr David Riley's latest in a series of new proving reports concerns Potentilla erecta. The paper includes the comprehensive drug picture obtained. Proving report--Potentilla erecta. Biological Therapy 1996; 14: 186-91. Medically qualified vs NMQ homoeopaths G. VITHOULKAS The issue of who has the right to practise homoeopathy is a sensitive one--and difficult to solve. Discussions on the relationship between the two codes of practice are proceeding slowly in the UK and it is likely that the future will see non-medically qualified practitioners working in the NHS on a scale not seen before. Vithoulkas seeks to widen the debate in this discursive contribution posing several pertinent questions as to who has the legal, moral and scientific fight to practise homoeopathy. One of the major difficulties is the