Les premiers disciples français d’Hahnemann dans les années 1830 entre le scientifique et le religieux

Abstract

Reading letters sent to Hahnemann, foundator of the homeopath by his french correspondents in the 1830’ introduce us in an universe which seems, at first glance, more religious than medical. Letters describe miraculous healings, conversions, revelation, pilgrinage, project missions all over the world and crusade against cholera. Hahnemann is quickly considered as a messiah to whom a cult must be paid. Becoming a charismatic chief (as described by max Weber) Hahnemann demands a total obedience to his disciples discipline which led to schisms, excommunications. Finally homeopathy functions like a sect.Despite of these religious characteristics homeopaths are not only fanatic catholics but also real scientific people (engineers, physicians), liberal or socialist (especially saint-simonians) minded persons, all curious of novelty. For all of them there is no border between medicine and religion even when religion serves medicine more than the opposite.

Keywords

• Homeopathy
• Hahnemann
• Conversion
• Saint-simonians
• Charismatic leader